Lorry driver attacked as he parked in a layby (From Gazette & Herald)

Lorry driver attacked as he parked in a layby

A LORRY driver from Pickering was left in critical condition by thieves who attacked him while breaking into his lorry.

The 41-year-old man is believed to have challenged a thief or thieves last Wednesday night as they tried to break into his heavy goods vehicle, which was parked in Valley Farm Road, Stourton, Leeds.

The man suffered serious head injuries in the ensuing assault. He was discovered lying in the road close to his vehicle just before 11pm and taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said they were treating the incident as a serious assault and have urged anyone with information to contact officers on (0113) 2414717. The assault is not thought to be be linked to any other incidents.

Det Supt Jim Bancroft, who is heading the investigation, said: "The victim acted with courage in challenging the thief or thieves and has been very seriously assaulted as a result."

On Friday, detectives returned to Valley Farm Road, an access road to a rail container depot, to continue forensic examinations of the area.

CCTV footage was also seized and was being examined by officers.

Det Supt Bancroft said: "We are following up some positive points of inquiry."

Malcolm Dodds, northern region area manager of the Road Haulage Association, said HGV drivers were becoming more and more vulnerable as goods vehicles were increasingly targeted by thieves.

He said: "I think it is happening more and more, but even one time is too many.

"It is difficult for a driver to park up and feel secure but they don't envisage this sort of thing happening.

"Our advice would be not to leave the cab, sound the horn, call 999, because you don't know what you will have to face.

"It's important to look after customers' goods but at the end of the day driver safety is more important."

Updated: 14:55 Wednesday, March 26, 2003