POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an incident where a vehicle was stopped and stoeln by masked men in West Thurrock.

It was reported the victim had been driving a white Vauxhall Movano van along West Thurrock Way at around midday on Friday, 13 May when his vehicle was approached by two others – another white van and a grey Vauxhall Insignia.

The Insignia had blue lights on which gave it the appearance of a police car and so the victim stopped his vehicle at the Lancaster Roundabout.

Three men wearing masks then forced him out of the van and stole it.

A statement from police says: "We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm. Please quote the crime reference number 42/120184/22. You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.