A gunman stole a luxury car after pulling a gun on a salesman during a test drive.

A big police hunt was launched to find the armed thief who got away with a £30,000 Mercedes.

The hold-up happened shortly after the two men had left Lancaster Mercedes-Benz in Heron Way near Lakeside with the car.

The robber produced a black pistol, pushed it into the side of the salesman and told him to get out of the car, a Mercedes E-class bearing the registration number W781 UGF. He then sped off in the vehicle.

The suspect is described as Asian, aged 23 to 24 years and about 6ft tall.

He was of skinny, gangly build, had short black hair and wore rimmed glasses and a two-piece black and brown striped suit.

Ian Barrow, manager of Lancaster Mercedes-Benz, said: "The man in question had been in to see us three times already as part of our stringent internal safety procedures, which we are reviewing.

"The member of staff is obviously shaken by the incident, and we are supporting him as much as possible."

Det Con John Logan, of West Thurrock CID, said: "The victim is very shocked and upset, but was otherwise unharmed.

"We are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, and would like anyone with information to contact us."

If you can help, contact West Thurrock CID on 01375 391212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Target - a Mercedes E-class similar to the car that was stolen

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