A RETIRED engineer had to jump on the back of a security van as it reversed towards him without its warning bleeper.

Will Merrell, 61, had just left NatWest, Bicester, and was putting on his motorcycle gear in Manorsfield Road when he heard two women pushing buggies shout a warning.

He looked up and saw a van reversing towards him along the pavement.

He was forced to jump on the back of the vehicle to avoid being knocked over.

The van continued to reverse a further five feet with Mr Merrell clinging to the back.

Security firm G4S Cash Solutions apologised for the incident and said the van’s warning bleeper and rear view camera were not working.

Mr Merrell said: “Had I not jumped on, I would have had to jump out of the way or I would have gone underneath it. These things are eight tonnes.

“If those girls with their buggies had got their money earlier and walked up the street he could have run them over.”

Mr Merrell added: “The police say the security van is allowed there. I have asked them where in law it says a van can drive on the pavement, otherwise that’s carte blanche for anyone to drive on the pavement.”

A G4S spokesman said: “We investigated fully and discovered it was caused by a temporary technical fault, which meant our driver was unable to see the member of the public and the reverse warning system was deactivated. This fault has since been rectified.

“We spoke to the gentleman affected on the same day to apologise in full and explain the situation, but we would like to reiterate our sincere apologies for any distress caused.”

Thames Valley Police spokesman Craig Evry said: “As far as Thames Valley Police is concerned, the matter is being resolved between the pedestrian and the security company.”

Oxfordshire County Council, which is responsible for highways, was unavailable for comment.