HEARTLESS thieves stole a teenager's new bike before damaging and dumping the Christmas present in a field near Barnton.

Justin Hatton, 15, of Churchfields, was devastated when the bike went missing from outside Barnton Cricket Club, after 8pm, on Tuesday, December 28.

The present had been Justin's dearest wish for Christmas after spending weeks with a picture of the dream machine on his bedroom wall.

Mum Sandra, 46, said: "We were all gutted when we discovered the bike had been stolen.

"We struggled to pay for the present but it was worth it when we saw the look of delight on Justin's face on Christmas morning - but that soon turned to upset.

"It was a relief to get the bike back, but it makes us angry to think that these thieves think they can get away with this kind of thing."

Justin's friend Adrian, 15, also had his bike stolen from the same place on the same night and Sandra told how it was the second time Adrian has had a bike stolen in six months.

She added: "The police have been told and they say they will do their best, but people in Barnton need to be warned because there are others who have had their bikes stolen from the area.

"How many more mums and dads have to be left heartbroken after their sons' and daughters' bikes are stolen?"

Sandra and Justin's step-dad Sean have decided to buy security locks for the bike and advised others in the area to do what they can to keep their bikes safe.

Anyone who may have seen two bikes being taken from Barnton Cricket Club at around 8pm, on December 28, is urged to ring Northwich police on 01606 48000.