North Wales Police say they have had an excellent response following a TV appeal to track down thieves who hijacked a lorry carrying thousands of Umbro England football shirts on the Deeside Industrial estate in February.
At about 8am on Wednesday, February 17 the driver, who was making his way to the Umbro factory in Deeside, stopped in Drome Road, Zone Three of Deeside Industrial Estate.
The vehicle – a black Volvo FH12 Sleeper cab, with ‘Ray Stewart Haulage’ on the sides written in gold and silver, was then attacked by three people, all believed to be male, wearing balaclavas, one of whom is believed to have had a gun.
The cab windows were smashed and the driver was forced into a black people carrier type vehicle.
The driver was let out of the vehicle in the Wigan area at around 9am and made his way to a local police station.
The burnt out lorry, minus its load, was found in the St Helens area.
Last night’s (June 15) BBC Crimewatch appeal sparked more than 20 calls to the studio.
DC Graham Cobley said: “We have had some very encouraging leads, especially in the North West of England. We will continue to work with other forces to follow up these leads with further enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, if in Wales, 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111.
