AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy has been left devastated by the theft of his motorcycle, which was bought with his savings.

His family are now offering a reward for the motorcycle stolen from the garage next to their home in Queen's Road, Shotley Bridge, County Durham, between 10am on Monday and 7.45am on Wednesday.

The boy's mother, who did not wish to be named, said: "He was devastated. The first thing he asked was how he was going to be able to afford to buy another one.

"His life savings, including money from his piggy bank, and cash earned doing odd jobs, had paid half towards the £900 motorcycle.

"It is the only one of its kind that we know about in the whole region."

Sergeant Tony Avery, of Consett police, said the Suzuki DS80, with gold wheel trims and red and blue graphic designs, was made specifically for the use of children.

He said: "The boy had driven the machine recreationally at home and in Scotland in the three weeks since he bought it.

"It may have been an opportunist thief, but it seems more likely to have been deliberately targeted by the person or persons who stole it.

"The family are upset, not least the youngster whose bike it was. They are desperate to get it back and are offering a reward."

Posters carrying a photograph of the motorcycle are being circulated in the Derwentside area.

Sgt Avery said: "Anyone offered a motorcycle fitting the description should be immediately suspicious, not least because of its rarity.

"Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of it or may be offered it shoud get in touch with police as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact (01027) 504204.