A SCOOTER-mad Redditch youngster who was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was seven was left distraught when spiteful thieves stole his favourite Christmas present.

Jake Dalby, 11, of Lodge Park, who also has special needs, was over the moon when he received a £120 motorised scooter for Christmas.

But on January 4, thieves got into the garage where the scooter was stored and took it.

Jake's mum, Trisha Coffin, said: "I'm just so angry because there were other items in the garage worth a lot of money that they didn't steal, so they must have just wanted the scooter.

"I've now put new locks on the garage door."

Luckily, kind-hearted Redditch police officers dealing with the theft have now put Jake's name forward for a special police fund which could pay for a new motorised scooter.

Mrs Coffin said: "I would just like to say a big thank you to the officers involved."

Anyone with information about the theft can call Redditch police on 08457 444 888.