POLICE are studying CCTV footage in the hope of tracing thieves who seriously assaulted a Pickering truck driver.

The 41-year-old was still in a critical condition in Leeds General Hospital following Wednesday night's attack.

Police said he had challenged a thief or thieves as they tried to break into his lorry , which was parked in Valley Farm Road, Stourton, Leeds. He suffered serious head injuries in the assault and was discovered lying in the road close to his vehicle just before 11pm. West Yorkshire Police said detectives and forensic experts were at the scene all day yesterday searching for clues. CCTV footage was being examined. Anyone with information should call officers on 0113 2414717.

Updated: 09:13 Saturday, March 22, 2003