THE captain of Haddington Rugby Club’s 1st XV, who gave chase after thieves struck at his property at Stenton late on Monday, had a hammer thrown at his car and was “reverse rammed”.

Liam Clutton took to Facebook to share the incredible aftermath of the attempted 11.45pm break-in at Stoneypath Cottages.

He said: “Three males in a red Ford Connect van attempted to steal my quad[bike], chainsaw and various tools from my shed.

"I woke up as they drove back down the road to put their plunder in their van, so managed to get out and give chase.

“Fortunately, they couldn’t load my quad and all my tools fell out the back door of the van as they sped off but I carried on giving chase [by car] all the way out of Stenton to Pitcox.

"They tried reverse ramming me several times and stopped to throw various tools at the car to dissuade me from pursuing. But it got a tad ropey so (I) decided to give up.”

The 27-year-old, a former pupil of Dunbar Grammar School, thanked Bruce Docker for his help in warding off the men, as he joined him in pursuing the van.

Mr Docker wrote on his Facebook page: “There were three men in the van who twice tried to reverse into us and also threw a hammer at the vehicle when they got out before driving off again.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police are investigating following a break-in and theft in Stenton.

"The owners gave chase to the suspects, who were within a Ford Transit Connect van.

"During this time those within the van drove recklessly and threw a number of the tools at the victim.

"Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and anyone with information is asked to come forward.”

Call police on 101 with information.