Five companies offering secure parking for travellers using Gatwick Airport are being investigated on suspicion of operating illegally.

More than 1,000 unattended vehicles were discovered by Sussex Police and members of Horsham and West Sussex councils in an undisclosed boggy field near the airport.

Officials were not challenged during the 45 minutes they were on site, yet discovered keys to vehicles left in an unlocked car.  Other keys were left in envelopes on the windscreen of the cars they belonged to.

All five companies are believed to be rogue traders who offered secure, reliable and affordable parking.

Many of the vehicles on site were covered in mud and some had sunk into the ground and could not be driven out.

Officers are urging drivers to beware of rogue traders and only book with approved parking companies, pending the investigation.