A LORRY driver has told of the dramatic moment he was gassed in his cab while thieves stole more than £70,000 worth of equipment from his trailer.

Carl Bartlet has been driving lorries for the past four years to provide for his family, including his 10-week-old daughter.

But he has been left in shock after thieves gassed him and slashed opened his truck before fleeing with dozens of gas regulators worth more than £70,000.

The 26-year-old, who works for the Fareham-based haulage company Singletons Transport, was sleeping in his cab on an industrial estate.

He said he did not hear the thieves and was woken by a man who told him the truck had been slashed open.

He said: “When I woke up I felt dizzy, and it got worse, I started feeling quite sick but I thought it was because of what happened.

“The nurse at the hospital said I had the symptoms of being gassed and the gas they used may have been an anaesthetic gas.”

It is unclear how the gas entered his cab, but it is suspected it might have been through the night heating system.

Carl, who had parked in Walsall, said: “It was terrible and it has put me off.

“I have put lots of time and effort to learn how to drive a lorry but I feel scared now about spending the night out.

“I have three children and that’s why I work so many hours. I do it for them and now this has affected everything.”

Tony Singleton, owner of Singletons Transport, said: “It’s not always easy to find somewhere safe where to park but something has to be done now. It has happened to other drivers before.

“Drivers have the right to feel safe and do their job.”

Mr Singleton said he will meet with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) on Monday.

A spokesperson from RHA said there had been a number of similar incidents in South Yorkshire and added: “The RHA urges hauliers to remain vigilant.”

West Midlands Police are investigating and urging witnesses to call 101, quoting 20WS/58590T/18.