Have-a-go hero grandfather fights for his life after he is 'repeatedly run over' by burglars in getaway car

Barry Granger, 62, suffered a severe leg injury, eight broken ribs and internal bleeding.

The horrifying attack took place in broad daylight in front of his wife Pauline, who is keeping a vigil at his bedside, and their five-year-old grandson.

Brave: Barry Granger with wife Pauline

Mr Granger, a retired fruit and vegetable store owner who was recovering from a triple heart bypass, had arrived home just as his wife confronted an intruder.

She shouted to her husband for help as the man ran out to a getaway car, waiting with an accomplice at the wheel.

Mr Granger tried to grab the ignition keys but the car pulled away, knocking him to the ground. The thieves then drove over his body again before escaping.

Neighbour John Twells, who was pushed into a hedge by the car, said last night: 'They could have killed us. I can't believe anyone could do anything like this. I got away lightly  -  nothing like what happened to Barry.'

Detective Inspector Mark Argyle described Mr Granger as a hero and added: 'His courage cannot be underestimated.

'He tried to do his best to protect his wife and grandson and these men showed total disregard for his life or the life of anybody else.'

The attack happened in the village of Breaston, near Derby, on Wednesday.

Mr Granger's brother-in-law Tony Speck, 69, said after visiting him in Derbyshire Royal Infirmary: 'Barry has had an operation for a very severe leg injury but at this stage, thankfully, there is no sign of injuries to vital organs.

'Doctors say there is a problem with internal bleeding, however, and he will be in severe pain because he has eight broken ribs and is heavily bruised.

'He hasn't been able to say anything about what happened because he has been sedated.'

Assault: The turning where Mr Granger confronted the two thieves

He said the couple had been looking forward to a holiday in Turkey next month.

It was the third time they have been the target of robbers. In September 1995, they were bound and gagged and had chemicals sprayed in their eyes after raiders smashed their way into the same £200,000 house in search of Mr Granger's business takings.

He bravely managed to free himself and fight them off.

Kevin Aston, 32, was later jailed for five years but his accomplice was never caught. Mrs Granger said after the court case that they feared he would return, explaining: 'We live in constant fear.'

The couple were also burgled in 1991, at another house in the village, but police do not believe the three attacks are linked.

The car which hit Mr Granger, a maroon Renault Megane, had been stolen in Nottingham and was later found abandoned in nearby Stapleford.

The burglars were slim, white and in their early teens to mid-20s. Both had short, dark hair and were between 5ft 10in and 6ft.