A SEVERELY disabled man said yesterday he was devastated after thieves ransacked his home and made off with his treasured football programmes and personal computer.

Raiders broke into the ground-floor flat of cerebral palsy sufferer John Robinson, 38, on Thursday night, while he was in a nearby pub with friends.

They took hundreds of pounds worth of CDs and videos as well as a computer, video player and souvenir soccer programmes, which Boro fan Mr Robinson, of Eshwood Square, Middlesbrough, has spent a lifetime collecting.

He said: "They took everything out of my house.

"It was personal stuff that I have saved for years. I feel terrible, completely devastated."

His sister, Sarah Thompson, 48, who lives opposite, said a neighbour noticed the window of the flat had been smashed and called police at about 10.20pm, by which time the burglars had escaped.

"John is in a wheelchair and tries to live independently," she said. "Who could do this? They've taken it all, just about. I can't believe it."

PC Deborah Harland, of Middlesbrough police, said: "This is a despicable crime that has caused extreme distress to a vulnerable member of the community."

She urged anyone with information about the burglary to call police on (01642) 303126.