POLICE are appealing to anyone who may be able to help them return a stolen bike to a devastated young boy.

Joseph Whitelegg (12) of Kiln Lane, Eccleston, had his maroon 15 speed Raleigh Avalanche bike stolen between 1pm and 4pm on Monday, October 20.

In September last year, Joseph's dad, Roy, 59, died suddenly. Just a month previously, Roy had bought his son a bike, unfortunately this bike was also stolen and a replacement, the Raleigh Avalanche, was bought.

Even though the Avalanche was not the original bike bought for his birthday, Joseph still valued it as the last birthday present bought for him by his dad.

So when the bike was stolen last month the youngster was devastated, his mum Philomena explained: "Joseph has had to contend with a lot in the last 12 months and he is devastated by the theft of his bike which was of great sentimental value to him."

ANYONE who may be able to help the police with their inquiries regarding this incident is asked to contact PC Joyce Bluck in the Crime Management Unit at St Helens police station on 0151 777 6050.

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