A Sussex animal hero was held up in his wildlife rescue ambulance in a highway robbery-style heist.

A thug stopped volunteer Trevor Weeks before grabbing him by the throat and manically repeating “Where are the drugs? Give me your drugs”.

The founder of East Sussex Wildlife & Ambulance Service was driving home at 11pm on Monday when a dark-coloured hatchback overtook him and signalled for him to pull over in Eastbourne Road, near the A22 at Uckfield.

Mr Weeks said: “I’ve had it before where people try to get your attention because they’ve got a casualty, so I stopped for him.

“He got out of the car with a smile on his face and waved me over.

“Then he just seemed to snap. He grabbed me by the throat and pinned me up against the van. It all happened so quickly, I was gobsmacked.”

The man started to manically repeat “Where are the drugs? Give me your drugs” while throttling the 40-year-old.

Trevor added: “I just tried to stay as calm as possible and prevent the situation escalating.

Terrifying “I told him that we are just a charity and don’t carry drugs.

“After what seemed like an age he got frustrated and slammed my head against the van before driving off.”

Despite his terrifying ordeal, Mr Weeks said he was glad that it had happened to him rather than one of his volunteers.

He added: “The seriousness of it has only really hit me now.

“I’ve got a bit of a sore throat and head but I’ll be back at work tomorrow. I’m not really one for taking time off.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, 6ft and in his early 30s. He was of proportionate build with stubble and was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Julie Dow, from East Sussex CID, said: “This would appear to be an opportunist and very unusual attack, which has obviously left the victim very shaken.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting serial 1861 of 15/10.