A MAN who is “in constant pain” due to suffering from excruciating arthritis says he was left in “disbelief” when he realised his car had been stolen.

Matthew Padmore, 42, of Gardenia Walk, Colchester, purchased his silver BMW, which is worth about £3,000, roughly eight months ago.

On Sunday, however, between 7pm and 7.30pm, his treasured vehicle was cruelly taken from a parking space on the Greenstead estate.

Since then, he has desperately been attempting to track it down, along with his friends, but he has so far had no luck in retrieving it.

Gazette:

Mr Padmore, who has been left fuming by the theft, said: “I was in shock and disbelief when I realised it had been stolen and I am now very angry about it.

“I am signed-off sick from work at the moment so I definitely rely on it and I need it because my health is not that great.

“I have bad arthritis in my shoulder and I’m waiting on an operation, but I am in constant pain, and I have some other personal things.

“I am told it has been dumped near a park somewhere around Highwoods or Greenstead but I’ve been out looking with friends and it has still not been recovered.”

Mr Padmore immediately reported the theft of his 520d Msport BMW to the police, who he says arrested a woman before releasing her without charge.

He has now offered a financial incentive to anyone who can help him track down the car, which has the registration number KU06LBK.

Gazette:

“Three females were seen driving it but the police told me they cannot do anything until they find the vehicle, so it is frustrating and ridiculous,” added Mr Padmore.

“I am now offering a £200 cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the vehicle and all information with be treated in strict confidence.”

Essex Police have been contacted for more information.