DETECTIVES are hunting thieves who stole 866 new scalextric sets, worth more than £170,000, from a lorry park in Kent.

A trailer containing the sets was unhooked and attached to another vehicle at Detling Aerodrome, a few miles from Maidstone, and later found abandoned in North Woolwich.

The model stolen is a Scalextric Digital Super GT race set, containing an Aston Martin DBR9, a Porche 911 GT3R and a Dodge Viper.

Det Con Catherine Baker, of Mid-Kent Police, said: “These scalextric sets are brand new to the shops and as such, are highly desirable, with each set retailing for around £200.

"This was a planned operation and the offenders clearly targeted the trailer, knowing the high value of its contents, estimated collectively to be worth over £170,000."

She added: "I advise consumers to be aware not to buy any of these scalextric sets from anyone but an approved retailer. If anyone has a reason to suspect that a box set may be stolen please contact me on 01622 604180 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – this call is free and confidential.”

The theft happened in the early hours of Monday, July 30.