THIRSTY thieves pilfered fruit juice and fizzy drinks after a moonlit raid near Winchester.

They targeted a lorry in a lay-by on the westbound carriageway of the A303 between Popham and Bullington Cross.

It took place at around 2.30am on Tuesday, January 26, while the driver was asleep in the cab, said police.

They added that the trucker was woken by noises at the rear of the Mercedes lorry and went to investigate.

He found two men taking crates from the back of his vehicle, who then ran towards another lorry nearby.

Police described the thieves’ getaway vehicle as a shabby white box lorry, either 7.5 or 10 tonne, with rust spots.

Its registration was covered in tape, but its first letter was ‘R’, officers added.

Police said the two thieves were both white and slim, and one wore a light-coloured jacket, while the other had dark trousers, an orange jacket and dark baseball cap.

Officers added that a third suspect was sitting in the getaway truck.

The gang made off with 60 cases of Oasis citrus punch, 144 cans of Coke and 26 tins of Fanta, with a total value of £2,490.

Two other lorries were parked in the lay-by, but police said their drivers saw nothing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Winchester CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.