A LORRY driver kidnapped when his £1million load of cigarettes was hijacked in Cumbria was released from the car in Blackburn.

Cumbria Police said the 39-year-old driver was ordered to drive his articulated lorry to a location near to the Scottish border after being approached at the north bound Southwaite Services, on the M6.

The two robbers -- both Asian males -- then made him get in their Ford Mondeo which headed down the M6.

The driver was eventually allowed out of the car near Ewood Park.

The cab unit of his vehicle has been recovered and is being forensically examined. The trailer and the cigarettes, with a retail value of £1million, are missing.

Detectives want to hear from anybody who may have seen the white Mondeo, which dropped the man off shortly after 1am on Wednesday.

Contact police on 01228 528191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.