THE mother of a terminally-ill child has criticised thieves who stole her daughter's wheelchair.

Julia Mangan, 11, who has a muscle-wasting disease, relies on the chair to get around because she is unable to walk.

The chair was taken in the early hours of Tuesday from outside a house in Upleatham Street, Saltburn, east Cleveland, where Julia was staying with her older sister, Laura.

A neighbour heard people arguing over the wheelchair, and two women and a man were seen to push it away.

Angela Gibson, Julia's mother, said: "I am so angry that someone has taken the chair. It is just so low and pathetic.

"What kind of a person steals someone's wheelchair? They know it is used by someone who is disabled and so obviously needs it.

"Julia is very well-known in the area and everyone knows she needs her wheelchair and for something like this to happen is just so hurtful."

A search of the area by local residents failed to locate the chair, but the family has been able to borrow a replacement from a friend.

Mrs Gibson said: "Julia was really upset. She thought that, because the wheelchair had gone, she would not be able to go out with her friends. It made her day when we were able to borrow another chair.

"I would just like those who took the chair to please bring it back."

Cleveland Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact (01642) 302626.