BURGLARS stole a bike from a man who was in hospital with coronavirus after undergoing a liver transplant.

They raided a garage in Poole as the man was being treated for life-threatening conditions.

Now police have appealed to the public to help them find his "pride and joy."

The garage, at a home in Beresford Road, was broken into between the evening of Tuesday June 16 and the early hours of the following day. A green and black Cannondale Lefty bicycle, distinctive due to only the left front fork being present, was stolen.

The owner, who had contracted Covid-19 while in hospital, is now having to learn to walk again.

Police said his wife describes the bike as his "pride and joy."

Police Constable Matt Putt, of Poole police, said: “This bike was a prized possession of the victim, who has been through an extremely difficult time recently, and we are determined to do all we can to find who was responsible for the burglary and locate the stolen bicycle.

"I would urge anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of the stolen bike to please search their conscience and come forward so we can offer the victim some welcome positive news."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200086835, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.