A gang of four balaclava-clad robbers attacked a lorry driver with a hammer while he was asleep in his vehicle last night.

The attackers broke into the Volvo articulated goods lorry, which was parked in a lay-by along the A412 Denham Road, after smashing a window shortly before midnight.

The 56-year-old driver had his wallet and mobile phone stolen and was assaulted with a hammer, before being taken to Hillingdon Hospital where he was assessed for his injuries. He has since been discharged.

PC Iain Torbet, officer in the case from Taplow Local CID, said: "I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the lorry parked in the location described prior to the incident.

"More importantly, I would like to hear from anyone who saw four males acting suspiciously or entering the lorry.

"I would like to reassure local residents that an incident of this nature is extremely rare and that a thorough investigation is on-going to catch those responsible.

"Thankfully, the victim did not suffer serious injuries given the nature of the incident."

Anyone with information about the robbery is being urged to contact PC Tobert via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.