Police are appealing for witnesses after a knifepoint robbery of about 1,500 tyres from two HGV lorries near the Dartford River Crossing.

Officers were called just before 7.15am yesterday to Bob Dunn Way just before the tunnel after the Pirelli tyres, worth a combined total of about £100,000, had been stolen from two lorries.

It was reported that at about 1am yesterday a man knocked on the cabin door of a lorry parked on the side of the road, gesturing that something was wrong with his vehicle.

When the driver went to get out to help, the suspect threatened him with what is believed to be a knife and forced him back into the cabin.

He was kept there until about 7am when the offender left the cabin and it was then the driver noticed his entire trailer of tyres were missing.

His colleague, who was also driving a lorry with Pirelli tyres, was reported to have been threatened with a knife and his trailer was missing half its load of tyres.

Neither driver was injured.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Simon Williams, said: ‘This was a premeditated robbery in which two men were held against their will.

"Clearly this is an incident that caused concern and distress to the victims and I would urge anyone that has any information to come forward.

"Also, if you are offered cheap Pirelli tyres at a price that seems too good to be true, then it probably is.’

If anyone has any information call DC Williams on 101, quoting CAD 08-0137 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.