THIEVES who stole a ten-year-old's bicycle less than a week after his mother died are being urged to return it.

Steven Hobson was heartbroken when the silver BMX Ennelle bike he bought two months ago was stolen last Tuesday night.

The bike, which was fitted with stunt pegs, was stolen from the backyard of his home in Baff Street, Spennymoor, after it was accidentally left outside.

His godmother, Christine Woodward, became Steven's legal guardian when his mother Susan, 46, died on September 17, after suffering a heart attack on the previous Sunday.

She said: "Lots of people knew Susan and what happened, so if it was local teenagers they should be ashamed of themselves.

"We had so much on our minds - we visited the chapel of rest on Wednesday and had the funeral at St Paul's Church, Evenwood, on Thursday - that the bike was left outside for one night.

"If these people have any feelings they will return the bike, I just want it back for Steven."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on (01388) 814411.