A DISABLED motorist was left stranded at a service station miles from home when he became the victim of a car-jacking.

Seconds earlier, Doug Cleasby, from Stanhope, County Durham, had been talking to the thief while he topped up the water bottle on his adapted VW Passat.

As Mr Cleasby, a 43-year-old information technology manager, closed the car's bonnet, the man jumped into the car and drove off from High Brough Moor services, on the A1 near Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday afternoon.

Police believe the thief noticed Mr Cleasby's disability and took advantage of it.

They alerted motorway patrols and neighbouring forces, but the car, a dark green metallic diesel model with automatic gears, has not been seen since.

Mr Cleasby, who has three daughters, relies on the car to get to work in Newton Aycliffe and to transport his family.

He said: "I was amazed. The man was talking to me, and as soon as I put the bonnet down, he was away.

"I rely on my car every day because I am disabled and live in a rural area.

"The car was special to me and I waited a long time to find it. It is not something you pick up every day."

PC Gary Sellers, of Richmond police, is hoping footage from security cameras may help catch the thief.

He said: "Mr Cleasby was a vulnerable victim. The thief realised he was disabled and took advantage. He showed no respect for him.

"We alerted neighbouring patrol cars, but he was away quickly, and there were a number of ways he could have gone.

"Motorists should be aware that they should not leave their car keys in, even when they are with the car."

The thief was 6ft, in his mid-20s, slim, with short dark hair.

He was scruffy and spoke with a Geordie accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01609) 789321.