Police are appealing for witnesses after a lorry driver was abducted and his lorry stolen from a lay-by on the A41, near Bicester.

On Monday, September 8, at 10.15pm a white Scania articulated lorry from Poland was parked in a lay-by on the A41 between Bicester and Kingswood, when the driver was attacked and dragged out of the vehicle at knifepoint by two offenders.

At about 12.30am on Tuesday, September 9, he was dropped off in Warwickshire at the Watermill roundabout, near Charlecote Park and the Heritage Motor Centre, between Kineton and Wellesbourne.

He walked along the road until he managed to flag a vehicle down and the driver of the vehicle alerted the police at about 12.50am.

His lorry was later found abandoned in Badgeworth Drive, Warndon Business Park, Worcester, not far from the A449. It is not known at this time when the vehicle was abandoned, but discovered by West Mercia Constabulary between 5am and 5.30am. The contents of the vehicle, approximately £40,000 worth of chocolate, was recovered inside the vehicle.

Police believe it is possible the lorry was abandoned at a pre-arranged drop off point, ready for collection by other offenders, but police intervened before it was collected.

Police only released details of the abduction this afternoon.

The victim sustained bruising to his face, but did not require medical attention.

Det Sgt Bruce Collier, investigating the incident, said: “I am appealing to any witnesses to get in touch, but I am particularly keen to hear from the driver of a lorry parked in the opposite carriageway of the A41. I urge the driver of this lorry to contact me if they have any information.

“I am also appealing to anyone who may have seen the lorry which has a black ‘D’ in a green triangle on both rear doors, travelling between Aylesbury and Worcester or anyone who saw the victim in Warwickshire around 12.30am trying to flag down motorists near the Watermill roundabout.

“I urge anyone with information to contact me or Crimestoppers as their information could be vital to our enquiries.”

Det Sgt Collier can be contacted at Aylesbury police station via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to talk to the police, call Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505 or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bcu/buckinghamshire/bcu-info/stations.htm