A lorry driver was recovering at home today after being kidnapped at gunpoint by robbers who made off with thousands of pounds' worth of cigarettes.

The driver stopped his Booker articulated lorry at about 10.30pm last night after he saw a car with a flashing blue light in his rear view mirror while on the A23 near Pease Pottage.

Thinking he was being stopped by the police, he came to a halt on the hard shoulder.

A gun was rammed in his face and he was ordered to drive to a secluded spot in nearby Bolney, where the gang tied him up and assaulted him before making off with the haul.

He later hailed a passing police patrol car. He did not need hospital treatment and was recovering at home, officers said.

Police at Haywards Heath are appealing for anyone who may have seen the white articulated lorry parked on the hard shoulder of the A23 and the car with a blue flashing light.