File photo.
Photo:

A staff member at a Whangārei store has been left with serious injuries after being knocked over by a car while trying to stop an alleged thief last night.

Police have appealed for witnesses after the incident.

The incident occurred around 6.30pm outside a store on Maunu Street.

Police were told that a man of a medium build, in his 50s-60s, with dark hair, glasses and dark coloured clothing entered a store and allegedly took some items.

He then left to get into a black sedan parked outside, but was followed by a staff member.

The staff member attempted to retrieve the stolen items from the car when they were knocked over.

They were taken to hospital in a serious condition, police said.

Anyone with any information about the incident was asked to call police on 105 and quote file number 220918/8909.