A FATHER of three says he is “disgusted” after his bicycle was stolen from outside a hospital as he accompanied his sick child to an eye appointment.

Paul Bartlett, 34, of Truman Road, Kinson, locked up his bicycle near the main entrance of Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

He then spent around two hours in the hospital with seven-year-old Joseph who had an eye appointment.

But when he came out his £350 grey VooDoo Marasa hybrid mountain bike had vanished from the hospital bike shed.

The theft occurred some time between 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday, May 10.

Paint shop supervisor Mr Bartlett recently gave up his car in favour of cycling to work after getting a new job nearer his home.

He said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked. I can’t believe someone had got the nerve to do that. I was speaking to the security guard and he said this isn’t the first time.

“I used it to get to work and had been using it every day. I had to get a lift in today. I locked it with a chain lock and the CCTV was pointing right at it.

“You would think outside a hospital was a safe place. It could have been anyone going there for a serious check up. It could have been a nurse or a doctor. I find it really sickening.”

The bike has the word, ‘VooDoo’ written on it and a distinctive picture of a voodoo doll.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said police were investigating and were examining CCTV footage from the scene.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 01202 222222.