The vehicle’s driver, a 25-year-old man, was pushed from behind and the ignition key grabbed while making a delivery in Church Road at around 1.20pm. He was not injured.

Police say the white Ford Transit panel van with the word “YODEL” in green lettering on both sides, was later recovered about four miles away in Patshull.

It was abandoned on a private driveway leading to Patshull Hall.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing to anyone who saw the driver being pushed and his vehicle taken, or who spotted the van in Patshull where it was abandoned, to contact Shrewsbury CID on 101.”

It’s thought two vehicles – possibly a silver Volvo and a burgundy or maroon saloon – may have accompanied the stolen van as it made off from Albrighton at high speed.

The man who pushed the driver to the ground is described as about 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a dark hoody.

It’s not yet known how many, if any, parcels were stolen from the van.