Lorry hijacked on M53

Aug 8 2008 by Liza Williams

A LORRY was hijacked on its way to Birkenhead Docks and the driver forced to transport a trailer of cigarettes 17 miles.

The driver, from Montgomery Transport in Lancashire, was left shocked and distressed after the ordeal on Thursday afternoon.

The 46-year-old was driving along the M53 near Ellesmere Port when a 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.

He was taken to junction seven of the motorway and forced to follow the demands of two men.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesman 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 driver has been left shocked and distressed by his ordeal.

“The offender's cab and stolen trailer have not yet been recovered.”

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

Contact DS Nigel Parr on 01244 613131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.