CRUEL thieves have stolen a mobility scooter user's only means of transport for the second time this year.

Richard Cutler, 58, of Southey Road in Somerford was informed by a neighbour that the chains holding the metallic navy blue Comet mobility scooter which he rents had been pulled out of the ground before it was taken.

He said that he suffers with lumbago, which involves pain in the lower part of the back, which can often limit movement in the spine.

Richard added: "It's absolute hell. I'm dumbstruck as to why this has happened. I can't go anywhere. My walking stick was in my backpack on the back of the buggy.

"I can't believe it has happened. My neighbour knocked on my door and said that the buggy had gone."

Richard said that he didn't hear any noise, nor did he see anything, but he after being alerted to the theft, he saw that the two heavy chains connected to the floor and wall of his home had been ripped out. He said that he is now not able to leave his house and will have to rely on his brother for help.

"It is very stylish and very new, with a basket on the front, lights and indicators. I don't know if they company will give me another one in the circumstances."

He said that he had one stolen in the 'same circumstances' earlier this year. "I had just taken it off charge to go out on it and when I went outside, it was gone."

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said that they were called at 9.27am on Sunday, July 10, with reports of the theft, which is believed to have occurred between 4pm on Saturday, July 9 and 9am on Sunday, July 10. They added that the vehicle was bolted to the concrete floor using two thick chains, which were pulled out of the ground.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 55160103476.