DETECTIVES are seeking witnesses to the theft of a lorry carrying a large drum of copper cable on the A299 Thanet Way.

The white Volvo flatbed lorry had just passed the Roman Galley restaurant near Herne Bay between 11am and midday on Thursday when two men in a white car flagged down the driver.

One of the men from the car then stole the driver’s X-registration lorry and its cargo, leaving the driver stranded by the side of the road.

Police officers found the lorry abandoned, without its load, at about 12.40pm in the parking area off the St Nicholas at Wade Roundabout, between the A299 from London and the A28 to Margate junctions.

Officers believe the drum of copper cable was removed from the back of the lorry onto another vehicle in the parking area and that it would have required heavy lifting equipment due to its size and weight.

Police are keen to hear from anyone that witnessed the theft or the lorry being unloaded of the 4.5m diameter drum in the parking area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Mark Dennis at Margate police station on 01843 222194, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, detectives are advising companies to take extra precautions with copper cabling due to its current high value and its attractiveness to thieves.

* Police have arrested a 31-year-old Dartford man in connection with the theft. He has been bailed until August 4 while officers conduct further enquiries.