A MIDDLE-aged couple "put up a good fight" to fend off hooded carjackers who tried to steal their car at a petrol station in Buckhurst Hill on Sunday night.

The couple pulled up and parked next to the Total garage, High Road, near its junction with Stag Lane, shortly before 9.30pm.

While the 47-year-old woman remained in the black VW Golf her 48-year-old husband went into the garage shop.

While he was inside three men forced their way into the car and tried to drive it off with the woman still in the front passenger seat.

Police said she put up a struggle and sounded the horn to alert her husband, who ran back and tussled with the attackers.

They eventually gave up, left the car and ran off towards Woodford.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jenny Thornton said: "This was a very scary ordeal for this couple, especially the woman who was suddenly confronted by three hooded men who then attempted to steal her car with her still inside.

"They put up a good fight to protect their car, forcing their attackers to flee."

She added: "We're keen to trace any witnesses to this attempted robbery, especially those motorists who were filling up with fuel on the forecourt, and a couple who were in the shop when the man ran to the aid of his wife.

"They could potentially have information which will help us to identify these men and lead to their arrest."

The attackers were wearing grey hooded tops and the couple believe there may have been a fourth man lurking nearby. The woman was uninjured but her husband sustained a cut lip and grazed knee.

Police are examining CCTV to find potential further witnesses and to ascertain whether the attack was caught on camera.

Anyone with any information should ring detectives at Harlow Police Station on 01279 641212.