A KIND-hearted pensioner had his bike stolen while helping a friend this week.

The 70-year old man, who has not been named, was taking groceries to his friend's house in Harrow Street, Hartlepool, when a youth grabbed his bike and rode off, at about 6pm on Wednesday.

Groceries and the man's arthritis medication were in basket on the bike. The pensioner shouted at the youth to leave his medicine.

The youth turned around, laughed, and rode off again, turning left towards Oxford Road.

Police are looking to speak to anyone who was in the neighbourhood at the time.

PC Ian Henry said: "This was a heartless theft from an elderly gentleman who was simply visiting his friend. The thief obviously heard his plea to return the medication, but nevertheless ignored this and made off on the bike.