AN OPPORTUNIST thief ran off with £1,000 worth of cigarettes from the back of a lorry in Newton Abbot.

The quick-thinking offender jumped into a Booker delivery lorry in Queen Street and helped himself to his haul before disappearing down Oak Place.

Police are appealing to shoppers in the town for any eyewitness accounts of the daring strike.

A spokesman said the culprit being sought was in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5ft 11ins tall and with short dark hair.

He was heavily built and wearing navy blue shorts, a navy blue sweatshirt and dark trainers.

He was seen to be carrying his haul away in a black bin bag.

His exploits were executed at about 10.45am yesterday.

Anyone with information should ring police on 101, quoting log 224 of May 3.