A motorist had his car stolen by a knife-wielding carjacker as he drove home from visiting friends.

The un-named man, who is in his 30s and from Hailsham, was slowing down as he approached a junction when his black Audi A4 was rammed from behind.

As he got out of the vehicle to inspect the damage, he was approached by a man who emerged from a light-coloured Sierra brandishing a knife.

The attacker punched his victim before stealing the car. Two other people in the Sierra then sped away behind the stolen Audi.

Police say the victim then had to walk for 40 minutes before he could raise the alarm because his mobile phone was also in his car.

The Audi was found later the same day in Piglet's Car Park, Hartfield. Two of the wheels were burnt and the car was soaked in petrol.

Police have only just released details of the incident, which happened along the A22, near Wych Cross, at 3am on Sunday morning.

Inspector Tony Wakefield, of Sussex Police, said: "This is the first time an incident such as this has happened in the area.

"It is very rare so the public should not be unduly alarmed but people should remember personal safety when they are driving late at night."

The man with the knife is described as white, around 6ft tall, unshaven and wearing dark trousers and a leather jacket.

Anyone with any information should contact Insp Wakefield on 0845 60 70 999.