Cheshire Police are issuing an appeal for information after the 46-year-old driver, from Montgomery Transport in Lancashire, was driving along the M53 en route to Birkenhead Docks on Thursday (August 7) afternoon.

A Ford Galaxy lorry, purporting to be from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) pulled up in front of the victim's lorry and illuminated a sign which said: 'Follow me.'

They took the lorry, which had picked up a trailer from Deeside, to junction seven of the M53 and two men forced the driver to comply with their demands.

Cheshire Constabulary spokesman Rachel Hayes said: "The driver was forced to continue his journey to Birkenhead Docks while he was forced to exchange his trailer for another trailer containing a large quantity of cigarettes.

"It is then believed that the offenders followed the lorry to Hapsford Services where the trailer was detached and put on the offenders own trailer."

The victim, from the Lancashire area, and his cab were later found in Killingholme in Humberside.

Miss Hayes added: "The driver has been left shocked and distressed by his ordeal.

"The offenders cab and stolen trailer have not yet been recovered."

Cheshire Police have launched an appeal for information to anybody who might recognise the lorry driven by the victim.

You can contact DS Nigel Parr on 01244 613131 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.