Christmas Present Stolen Minutes after Being Opened

Police are appealing for the public's help after a opportunistic thief stole a 13 year old girl's Christmas present.

The little girl had only just unwrapped the white and purple 'Jasmine' mountain bike at 3.20pm on December 27 and had just propped it up outside her home in Fellowes Way to go inside and ask for help lowering the seat.

When she came back out, the bike had disappeared. Tracks across grass show the offender made off in the direction of Green Close.

PC Dale Morris said: "We are also hoping to speak to a man who was seen near the address shortly before the bike went missing. He could be a crucial witness to what happened.

"He's described as being a white man in his late teens to early 20s, medium build, wearing a blue hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms. He also had a small beard and moustache.

"This little girl had only just opened her present – a bit later than normal because her mum was in hospital having a baby.

"She was really excited to get the bike – and of course is absolutely devastated that it has been taken.

"The bike was quite distinctive with a pink seat with a shooting star going across it. Can you help get it back?

"If you have any information at all, please get in touch by ringing the non emergency number 101 quoting crime reference E1/11/8684."