A meningitis victim left wheelchair-bound and unable to speak or hear has had her vital communicator stolen from her lap.

Yesterday (Thursday), Vanessa Quinney appealed for the return of the vital equipment.

Mrs Quinney, 48, has not been able to speak or hear since she contracted meningitis 22 years ago, and uses a wheelchair.

When she was shopping in the the town centre on Saturday the communicator, which she relies on to make herself understood, was stolen from her lap.

The machine was taken when she was in Anne Harvey women's clothing shop in Shewell Walk, just off Culver Square, police said.

The lightwriter communicator looks similar to a laptop computer and is black.

Harriet Musoke, one of Mrs Quinney's round-the-clock carers, said: "It wouldn't have a use for anybody else, but it's so difficult for Vanessa to get by without it."

Mrs Quinney, of High Woods, is very upset about the theft and is now finding it difficult to communicate with people.

"It's particularly difficult when she goes out," said Miss Musoke. Appealing for anyone with information about the theft to get in touch with the police, she added: "Hopefully, somebody will know something about it."

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212.

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