AN investigation has been launched after a young man’s treasured motorbike was stolen before being found dumped in a ditch.

Essex Police officers have issued an appeal for information after a black and green Lexmoto Venom motorcycle was taken from Mario Way, in Colchester.

The theft of the bike, belonging to a 22-year-old, is understood to have been carried out between midnight and 9.10am on Friday September 30.

Thankfully, following a public appeal issued on social media by the man’s mum, Jayne Craig, the two-wheeler was found the next day in the Monkwick area.

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Speaking previously to the Gazette, Jayne said her son had worked overtime in order to purchase his £675 prized possession.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “If you have any information or CCTV, dash cam or any other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available and quoting crime reference number 42/247769/22.

“Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.”

“Alternatively you can call us on 101 or if you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”