A POLISH lorry driver was kidnapped as he slept in his cab in Golborne and his lorry was found burned out in Birchwood hours later.

The man was woken up at 5.30am on Tuesday, June 1, and bundled into the boot of a car. He was driven to High Field Farm in Newton-le-Willows, beaten up and abandoned.

Police picked him up from the Parkside Road farm and took him back to Kid Glove Road in Golborne, but the cab and trailers had been stolen. They were found burned out on Leigh Croft Road, Birchwood, later that afternoon.

Detective Constable Mick Bates said: "The victim in this crime was put through a terrifying ordeal before he was released."

The lorry's cab was a Mercedes model, registration number WX 13 018, and the two tractor units had Euroad painted on the side and the registration WX 376 AE. They contained silver-cased, 25-inch Philips televisions.

The lorry driver told police that he thought he had been put into the boot of a silver Honda Civic, and that a silver Mondeo was also involved.

DC Bates continued: "I would ask anyone who saw something suspicious in these areas, or has been offered a television similar in description to those stolen, to call Leigh CID on 0161 856 7746."

Information can also be given to Cheshire Police on 01244 350000, or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.