THE mum of a nine-year-old boy with special needs is appealing to Star readers who may be able to help with the return of his treasured bike, which was stolen on Sunday (September 26) afternoon.

Colin Cooper of Jackson Street, Fingerpost, who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had nipped round to the petrol station on Orrell Street (opposite Parr baths) on his bike, where he was confronted by three boys of a similar age who asked for a ride of his bike.

A frightened Colin, who thought the boys might hit him if he didn't do as they asked, handed over the bike and two of the boys then rode off on it.

The bike was a red Universal and the wheel spokes and the top of the bike frame had been sprayed red.

Colin's mum, Caroline, said: "Colin loves his bike and it means everything to him. We believe that the bike could have been dumped and if anyone has spotted it, or found it, I would ask them to phone the police.

"Colin would be so pleased if we could get it back for him, he's lost without it."

Anyone who may have found the bike, or knows anything about its whereabouts, can contact the Incident Management Unit at St Helens police station on 0151 777 6969.

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