A DRIVER who pulled into a layby to take a break was attacked and his van stolen.

Police are investigating the assault and asking for the public's help to try and trace the movements of the distinctive vehicle.

At about 10pm on Wednesday, the victim, a 26-year-old man from Selby, was driving a black Ford Transit van with two white stripes on the bonnet and grey bumpers, and was travelling from York towards Selby, North Yorkshire Police said.

The driver pulled over to take a break in a layby on the A19 between Riccall and Barlby, where he was assaulted and the van taken, the force added.

It confirmed the driver sustained minor injuries due to the assault.

The force said the van was later seen on the A1 in West Yorkshire in the early hours of Thursday, in the Pontefract area at around 2.20am, and near to Monk Fryston shortly before 3.30am.

The van was found at around 9am on Thursday, some miles away in Barlow near Selby, according to the force.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the van being driven between the hours of 10pm on Wednesday and 9am on Thursday.

Phone North Yorkshire Police on 101. Quote reference 12180018379.