Police have launched a murder investigation after a delivery man died yesterday after apparently being run over by a thief who had just stolen his van.

Police believe Charles Bunyasi, 49, from Mitcham, was making a delivery to a house in Coulsdon Road, Coulsdon, when a person stole his van.

They believe he sustained fatal injuries when he was struck by the vehicle as the thief made his escape.

Officers were called at about 11am yesterday to reports of a man injured after being in collision with a van in Coulsdon Road.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and Mr Bunyasi was taken to a south London hospital where he subsequently died at 5.45pm.

A 28-year old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and remains in custody at a south London police station.

Police said Mr Bunyasi's next of kin had been informed. A post-mortem examination will take place tomorrow.

A murder investigation has been launched under Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons of the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Serious Crime Command.  DCI Lyons said: "Mr Bunyasi was a hardworking man who was in the process of making a delivery to help support his family. It is a tragedy that he has lost his life in this manner."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Do you know anything? Do you know Mr Bunyasi? Contact the newsdesk on 0208 722 6359 or email mwatts@london.newsquest.co.uk