A DISABLED MAN has been left stranded after thieves broke into his shed and stole his mobility scooter.

Youths broke into Wallis Briggs' locked shed in McClean Avenue, Dormanstown, Redcar, and took the red electric scooter, which is his main means of transport.

It was later found wrecked and dumped nearby and is now undergoing repairs which it is anticipated will take five to six weeks.

Meanwhile, the 64-year-old, who suffers from emphysema, a serious lung condition which causes breathlessness, will have to rely on taxis to get about.

"They are just spineless yobs who are doing this and I'd like to get my hands on them," he said. "I am totally reliant on the machine and the taxis are going to be very expensive.

"This is the sixth time they've tried to break into my shed - three times they pinched it and three times they tried and failed but still managed to damage my shed."

Superintendent Dee Collins, of Cleveland Police, who is appealing for help in tracing those responsible, said it was a despicable act on a vulnerable member of the community.

She said that such crimes brought great distress to the victims and everything possible would be done to track down those responsible.

"Someone in the area must know who carried out this burglary," she said. "No right thinking person can condone it."

Police have given Mr Briggs crime prevention advice in the past and a crime prevention officer visited him again yesterday in relation to the raid.

Anyone with information should contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 302626.