A THIEF has robbed a disabled man of more than £600 after snatching a bag from the back of his wheelchair.

The 34-year-old victim was making his way along Arnold Close in East Stanley, after a night out in Stanley with friends, when he felt his motorised wheelchair swaying.

He turned around and saw a man running away towards Betjeman Close, carrying a rucksack that had been attached to the back of the motorised wheelchair.

The bag was later recovered with the victim's passport and mobile phone still inside, but his black Ralph Lauren wallet and £640 cash were missing.

PC Paul Gray of Stanley police said: "This was a particularly callous crime against a vulnerable member of the community." The incident happened at around 12.30am on Sunday, October 12.

The thief is described as white, about 5ft. 9in., of slim build, with short hair. He was wearing a blue, waist length jacket and shiny, dark coloured shellsuit bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact police on (01207) 232144.