Lorry Driver Pepper-Sprayed In Cab

Detectives in East Dorset are investigating after a lorry driver was robbed in his vehicle between Ferndown and St Leonard’s.

He had been sleeping in the cab of his stationary vehicle when a man attacked him with pepper spray and stole his credit cards.

It happened along a lay-by on the A31 near the junction with Abbey Road at around 1am on Thursday 23 February 2012.

The victim, a 65-year-old Hungarian man, was not injured.

Detective Constable Wendy Stout, of county CID, said:

“I understand that the victim was asleep in his lorry when he was disturbed by the sound of someone siphoning fuel from his vehicle.

“This offender opened the driver’s door and attacked the victim with a substance believed to be pepper spray or similar.

“The offender then made off with a quantity of diesel, as well as the man’s bank cards.”

The lorry driver suffered from temporary discomfort following the attack.

DC Stout continued:

“I understand that the offender may have made off through nearby fields and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed anything out-of-the ordinary in this area last Thursday to contact me as soon as possible.

“This is a highly unusual incident and anyone with any information about this robbery and fuel theft should get in touch urgently.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.