A SEVERELY disabled father of two has been left housebound after thieves stole his electric wheelchair.

Francis Davies, 42, who suffers from a neurological nerve disease, was shocked to discover his only means of transport had disappeared from the backyard of his home in Hollins Grove Street, Darwen.

"I've only had the chair for a year and I can't believe its gone," said Mr Davies, who lives with his wife Sharon and sons, Paul, 10, and Adam, four.

"I'm stuck in the house all day now because I can't walk. Somebody must know where it is.

"I just hope that they see fit to help me get it back."

The £1,400 action powered motorised Invacare GLS 3-make chair was taken between 1am and noon on Saturday. Its serial number is 96041176.

Mr Davies added: "Unfortunatey the back gate was off being repaired but I made sure the chair was out of sight. I only realised what had happened when I went to charge the batteries. Things are going to be very tough until I get another."

Police investigating the theft are appealing for anybody with information to contact them on 01254 701777.

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