Gang grabs Xbox haul

A lorry driver was attacked and had his HGV containing more than £75,000 worth of Xbox consoles stolen in an early morning raid near Lichfield today.

The driver had left a distribution depot at Fradley at 5am and was driving on the southbound carriageway of the A38 when he was "flagged down" by two other vehicles at Hilliards Cross.

Believing they were informing him of a fault with the lorry, he pulled over and got out of his cab to investigate.

Police say the three men, who were in the two cars which forced the lorry to stop, then "jumped" the driver and threatened him before a scuffle took place.

Peter Stevens, spokesman for Trent Valley Police, said it is not believed that weapons were involved.

One of the men then got into the lorry, and the two others got into to their cars, which are thought to have been a green Range Rover and a blue Rover car, and drove off.

The lorry driver, who is aged 46 and from Birmingham, was taken to Lichfield's Victoria Hospital with minor injuries.

Mr Stevens said: "Obviously we want to hear from anyone who may have seen the incident.

"Although it was early this morning there would have been a lot of traffic along that stretch of road.

"We are also appealing for witnesses who may have seen the lorry being unloaded.

"We would also urge people who may see Xboxes being sold to be aware and contact us." He said police were still interviewing the driver and hoping to get descriptions of his attackers.

He said the lorry, which is white, is worth £40,000.

Witnesses are urged to call Burntwood Inspector Emma Griffiths on 08453 302010 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

In October 2004 an lorry driver was bludgeoned on the leg with a heavy instrument during a raid which happened near the Argos depot off the A38 in Barton under Needwood.

By Jo Mason