A LITTLE boy from Colchester was left smiling from ear-to-ear after his stolen bicycle – which helps him play with his friends - was returned.

Jamie Barkham, 9, was left heartbroken after his bright red Carrera with illuminous yellow stickers was snatched at 2.20pm on Saturday in Goring Road.

The crook responsible for the theft made his move after the youngster, who has Perthes disease in his left hip, went inside to get a drink.

Thankfully, following a public appeal spearheaded by mum Lisa, which was reported in the Gazette, Jamie’s treasured two-wheeler has now been retrieved.

Gazette:

Lisa said: “Jamie’s bike was found by the lovely Jade Allen who saw a man riding it. Let’s just say we dealt with the situation and he will not be doing it again.

“I was so emotional waiting to see Jamie’s face after school because I knew how much his bike meant to him – he wouldn’t be able to socialise with friends without it.

“He was delighted and thought we had tricked him.

“Thanks to each and every one of you who shared our post. We have taken flowers and chocolates to Jade to say thank you as we are so grateful.”

In footage seen by the Gazette, the sneaky and heartless thief initially walked past the bike, which was leant up against a garden wall, before scanning the area.

He then casually hopped onto the bicycle before slowly pedalling away from the scene of the crime, seemingly with very little fear of being caught in the act.

Gazette:

Lisa added: “I just want to warn people to be vigilant with their belongings as there are people going around taking things from people’s gardens thinking it is all free.

“The excuse they use is ‘I am sorry, I thought it was free.’ It is an absolute joke nowadays that we cannot event have stuff in our gardens.

“Bikes get taken all the time, I know, but that is not the point. A full grown adult took a child’s bike two weeks before Christmas.”