Warning after 1,000 cars left in muddy field by 'airport parking companies'

A holidaymaker who used an airport parking company while he went on abroad from Gatwick has returned home to find his car missing.

It comes a day after it was revealed thousands of cars have been found parked insecurely in muddy fields - with their keys left nearby for anyone to help themselves.

Watch Malcolm Shaw's report:

A man in Laverstock, Hampshire, has branded the company that was meant to look after his car while he was abroad 'hopeless.'

Philip Denee paid for meet-and-greet parking at Gatwick Airport before flying to Turkey.

In the paperwork he received from the company he was told to call a number when he returned in order to get his car back.

When he couldn't get through he decided to go the carpark where he handed over his car and found several other families who were also trying to find their vehicles.

Despite multiple attempts to try and track down his Audi, Mr Denee and his family ended up having to get a taxi home.

He says he is no closer to tracking it down:

A man whose car was left covered in mud by a company which offered 'off-site' parking near Gatwick has spoken out against those responsible.

More than 1000 vehicles - thought to belong to holidaymakers - were discovered by police in a boggy field near the airport.

Five companies suspected of operating illegally at the site are now under investigation.

Kingsley Raffael says the company he used tried to hide the mess:

Sussex Police has issued a warning to holidaymakers after more than 1,000 vehicles were found unattended in a boggy field near Gatwick Airport.

The force is working in conjunction with Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council Trading Standards to investigate five companies suspected of operating illegally at the site.

The businesses claim to offer secure, reliable and affordable parking for people accessing the airport.

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

Representatives from the police and the councils visited the field – the exact location of which is not being disclosed to protect customers' vehicles – on Wednesday (22 June).

On arrival, they discovered hundreds of keys to the vehicles in the boot of a car which was left open and unlocked, while several others were covered in mud.

In addition, some keys were left in envelopes on the windscreens of the cars they belonged to – in full view of anyone passing by.