A Royal Mail van was stolen from Blackbird Leys, Oxford, while a postman was collecting letters.

The van was taken from outside the post office in Balfour Road and later ditched in Falcon Close where a couple found it in their private parking space.

Laura Townsend, 29, and her husband Darren, 25, saw the red delivery van, also pictured, parked near their home at about 2pm on Friday. The driver's window had been smashed and the keys were still in the ignition.

Royal Mail spokesman Jane Thomas said: "We are still investigating the full circumstances of the theft and have been liaising with police."

She added: "Our employee was carrying out collections when the incident happened.

"There was a small amount of mail in the van which we believe is missing. If it is recovered it will be returned to the customer with a letter explaining what has happened.

"We will be interviewing the driver to find out more about the incident."

Mum of two Mrs Townsend said: "It could be that our mail has gone missing, which is very worrying especially because we were expecting an important girocheque in the post and it hasn't arrived.

"Whoever stole the van could have taken bank details and all sorts of things."

Police appealed for anyone who may have seen the van in the area to call 08458 505505.