Vandals smashed up the garden of a 62-year-old retired man who suffers blackouts and lives for his gardening.

Thugs targeted the front garden of Colin and Margaret Thake, of Mountbatten Road, Braintree.

They tore out flowers, knocked over pots and ran away with a wooden wheel barrow, which was later discovered in a hedge down the street.

Mr Thake retired from driving a lorry more than a year ago, because of black-outs. He has to be looked after by his wife or his daughters, Tracy Townsend, 37 and Alison Walker, 33, all day in case he falls unconscious.

> Mrs Thake, 68, said: "People from the neighbourhood all look at the garden and have commented on how beautiful it looks.

"My husband spends hours a day in the garden, planting flowers and tending to them, it is all he lives for."

Anyone with information should contact Braintree police on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

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