A 68-year-old man remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was run over by his own vehicle while attempting to prevent its theft in Melbourne’s north-east on Saturday night. Victoria Police said the Heidelberg West resident, identified by neighbours as George, was struck by his black Honda SUV as he tried to stop an unknown female from stealing the car.

Police have released CCTV footage of a person they want to speak to in connection with the incident. The footage shows a woman in a white hooded jacket, dark leggings, and white shoes walking along a footpath opposite the man’s house, appearing to look at her phone before approaching the property. The car can be seen in the driveway with its headlights on and at least one door open.

Neighbour Kim Tripitiris, who along with her partner performed CPR on the victim after being alerted by screams, described George as “an old knockabout” adored by the local community. “We love George around here, he’s very important to us,” she said. “He loved his cars … he was just a lovely down-to-earth guy, and no-one deserves this.”

Victoria Police confirmed that neither the woman nor the stolen Honda has been found. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact CrimeStoppers. The investigation remains active.