A 16-year-old boy has been the victim of thieves who stole and destroyed the moped he had spent more than six months saving for.

Scott Tyc, of Chelmsford Road, Holland-on-Sea, had owned the bike for just two months when it was taken while he played football at Rush Green, on Saturday.

After his mother, Shelley Wilson, had spent Sunday putting up posters to see if anyone had seen the stolen moped, it was discovered in Nayland Drive, Clacton, completely burnt out.

Mrs Wilson, said: "He's devastated. He's been saving every spare penny for it.

"That moped was the first bit of his independence and it's been ruined just like that."

His loss has been made worse as Scott, who got a Saturday job at QD Stores, in Rosemary Road, to try to raise money for the bike, will get no money back as he could only afford third party insurance.

Scott had saved £300 towards the bike and a further £216 for insurance, as well as buying a crash helmet and leather jacket.

His parents gave him a further £500 as a present to help pay for the £800 second-hand moped.

Anybody with information about the theft of the bike, between 1.15pm and 4pm on Saturday, should contact Clacton police on 01255 221312.

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette