A CLASSIC car owner had his vehicle stolen after he pulled into a North Yorkshire nature reserve.

Selby police are appealing for information after the classic Mk2 Ford Cortina, worth around £10,000, was stolen from a beauty spot near the town.

The victim, who is from the Goole area, parked his car in Barlow Nature Reserve and went for a walk just after 9am today (Wednesday).

"When he returned around an hour later, his car had been stolen. The vehicle is described as dark purple and in very good condition," said a spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police.

"Police are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious at the nature reserve and to anyone who may have been offered the car for sale, or knows where it is now, to contact them.

The Northern Echo:

"Officers are also warning owners of similar classic cars to be vigilant. The victim in this case has suspicions that he was followed by another vehicle prior to turning off into the nature reserve."

Officers are advising anyone who owns older, classic cars, to ensure their vehicle security is upgraded and to report any suspicious people or activity to the police.

The Northern Echo:

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Janet McGrevy or email janet.mcgrevy@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 12150083074 when passing on information.