Robbers in balaclavas forced a delivery truck driver to hand over boxes of cigarette packets near a Costcutter yesterday.

The two men went up to the driver and demanded the cigarettes near the convenience store in Vale Road, Worcester Park, at about 7.15am.

The thieves took the cigarettes and quickly drove off in a grey Audi getaway car in the direction of Cuddington Avenue.

Detective Constable Errol Chetty said: "Although no weapons were seen or violence threatened, the fact these men had prepared themselves with balaclavas suggested they wanted to cause fear to the driver and they must be caught.

"I believe there were several people in the area around the time the offence was committed who have not yet spoken with police.

“Potential witnesses may not have realised what was happening at the time but any information they can provide could be useful the investigation and therefore I would urge them to get in touch.”

As part of their investigation detectives are searching for the driver of a grey Audi which left the M25 at junction 6 at about 7.30am yesterday. 

The car was seen using the hard shoulder in the anticlockwise direction before mounting the grass verge at the traffic lights and turning towards either Godstone or Lingfield.

DC Chetty said: "I would appeal to the driver of this vehicle to come forward.

"At this stage in the investigation we do not know if this car links to the robbery but we need to speak to the occupants of the vehicle.

"I would also like to ask anyone who believes they may have seen this car to contact Surrey Police as your information could prove vital to our investigation."

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police, quoting reference 45150030966. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.