A would-be thief was lucky to escape with his life after being hit by a car seconds after trying to steal a charity collection box.

The man in his 20s was trying to make his getaway when he ran out of a Chinese restaurant and straight in front of the oncoming car in St Albans Road, Watford.

The man ran off before he could be treated for his injuries after the incident at the Golden Crown Take Away (below), which took place yesterday at around 1pm.

Police said they later traced the man and took him to hospital.

The man had approached the charity box, but was scared off when the restaurant manager noticed.

After putting the box down and running down the street, the man ran into a car, smashing its windscreen.

He then ran off in the direction of Hatfield Road.

The restaurant is not pressing charges.