A KIND-HEARTED grandad has been left feeling “peed off” after his £45,000 dream car was stolen by crooks during the early hours of the morning.

Phil Darlow, 65, of Oaklands Avenue, Colchester, awoke last Tuesday at 7am to find his bronze and white BMW X4 had been taken from his drive.

It is believed the vehicle, which he had only bought in late September, was snatched sometime between 2am and 3am while he was asleep.

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Stunned and shocked by the site of an empty driveway, he immediately called the police, who are now investigating the theft.

Mr Darlow, whose family has rallied round in support since the ordeal, said: “We would suspect it’s been taken ‘by order’ and words fail me at the moment.

“I am totally peed off because I work hard to get these things and then they are just taken because it is an easy way to make money.”

Mr Darlow’s grandson, Jamie, has since highlighted the fact his grandad’s beloved BMW was stolen online with the hope of it being returned or found.

He added: “I am upset and very angry inside because my grandad has been a father to me my whole life and he doesn’t deserve this.

“He has always been a kind-hearted person and always worked hard for the things that he has wanted.

“This was his dream car and the only thing I ever remember him buying for himself, so whoever stole the car should be ashamed of themselves and their life style.

“I just hope the car is returned undamaged because my grandad deserves to be happy, and people who ruin that should face the consequences.”

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Essex Police are now urging anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact them as soon as possible.

A spokesman said: “You can submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

“You can also call us on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/97386/22 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”