A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND man had his medication and laptop computer stolen when he was robbed yesterday.

The 52-year-old was making his way down Locke Road, in Redcar, east Cleveland, on his way to Redcar and Cleveland College, where he is on a computer course, when his attacker struck.

The youth, who was aged 16 or 17, was riding a silver BMX or mountain bike, with distinctive foot pegs.

He came from behind the man, passed by, but then turned around and grabbed the back pack from the back of the wheelchair.

It contained cash, medication, four college computing books valued at £20 each and a laptop computer fitted with a voice recognition system.

The disabled man, who lives in Redcar, was left shocked but not hurt.

PC Liz Pate, of Redcar police, said: "This was a particularly mean attack on a defenceless man. It happened at 10.30am to 10.45am, a time when there will have been a number of people in the area."

The youth involved was white, about 5ft 8in, of small build, with short dark hair. He was wearing a white sweatshirt, black track suit bottoms and white trainers."

Anyone who may have seen the incident or saw this youth should contact Redcar police on (01642) 302626.