Security driver cuffed to own van

A security van driver was threatened with a gun and handcuffed to his van during a robbery.

The man, from the Derby area, was stopped by a gang at a petrol station on the A38 at Fradley, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, on Monday morning.

He was forced into a waiting van before his own vehicle was stolen, and both were driven to an isolated area.

The gang transferred several thousands of pounds to a white Transit van, which was then driven towards the A38.

'Dangerous criminals'

Staffordshire police said a 7.5 tonne truck was seen at a Little Chef cafe on the A38 about five miles from the petrol station shortly before the driver was first attacked.

This and a white Transit van found in Whittington Road have been recovered by police, and examined for possible links.

Detectives think people may have seen one of the robbers standing at a nearby road junction on Huddlesford Lane while the robbery was taking place.

Det Insp David Ward said: "Clearly this was a pre-planned robbery by armed and dangerous criminals.

"The robbery victim was badly shocked by his ordeal but was otherwise uninjured."