Driver in hijack ordeal

An aerial view of the business park where the lorry was left

A lorry-load of whisky has been stolen after the vehicle was hijacked and the driver held up at knifepoint.

Police say the driver had parked on Rigshead industrial estate in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, at noon on Wednesday and went to a snack bar.

When he returned to the lorry, he was confronted by another man, who had hidden inside the cab.

He forced the 32-year-old driver to move the vehicle a short distance, where another man was picked up.

The driver was then restrained and forced to lie face down in the back of the cab, before the lorry was driven away.

It stopped, and the whisky, worth a five-figure sum, were removed.

Hospital treatment

The lorry moved off again and drove for about 45 minutes to the Inchinnan Business Park in Renfrewshire.

The driver was then left alone in the cab and managed to free himself. He was taken to hospital with minor neck and ear injuries.

The whole incident lasted nearly four hours.

Detective Sergeant Ian Duffy, of Bellshill CID, said: "We do not know where the alcohol was unloaded and I am appealing to anyone who may have seen a large quantity of whisky being unloaded from an HGV to contact me as a matter of urgency."

He also asked licensed premises and shopkeepers for information if they are offered whisky for sale.

Police say the brand of whisky will not be disclosed.