Two luxury cars have been stolen and three people injured during robberies in Epping Forest by thieves posing as interested buyers.

A white Mercedes car was taken on Friday, April 21 in Station Approach, Theydon Bois, when a suspect made off with the vehicle after arranging a test drive through a car sales website.

The car’s owner was pushed to the floor by the thief, who made a getaway after dragging the victim along the floor causing minor injuries.

On Friday (June 23), it was reported a second car, also a white Mercedes, had been stolen after a test drive from an address near Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, at around 9.30pm.

A man and a woman were injured as the car drove away. Both were taken to hospital and treated for injuries, which were not believed to be serious.

The suspect in the Theydon Bois incident is described as Asian, in his early 30s and of slim build. He was approximately 6ft 2ins tall and had dark hair.

He was wearing a grey hooded top, blue denim jeans and white trainers at the time of the theft.

The suspect in the Waltham Abbey theft is described as as being of skinny build, with mid-length spiky brown hair, which was shaved at the sides and back and longer on top.

He was thought to be between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins tall.

Witnesses also said he had small heart shaped tattoo on his right cheek bone and another tattoo on the left side of the neck.

He was believed to be wearing a dark coloured jacket, with a round-necked t-shirt and a plain black bag which was worn across the chest during the robbery.

He was wearing ripped, dark-coloured skinny style jeans and loafers which may have been red or brown.

Detectives are exploring the possibility that these incidents are linked, however various lines of enquiry are being investigated.

Essex Police has also urged members of the public to be vigilant when using car sales websites, and caution when arranging to meet a potential buyer.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.