Teenager '˜gutted' after thieves steal his bike: Bicycle was favourite Christmas present

All Josh Tiffin wanted was a new bike and a phone for Christmas – nothing else.

In the run-up to the big day, his mum Janet was determined to make his wish come true and saved up to buy her son a Carrera Avenger.

It was a gift which left the 13-year-old “over the moon” when he woke on Christmas Day.

But his joy has now turned to anger and devastation after thieves broke the bike lock and rode away with his £480 cycle.

Mrs Tiffin, 53, from Stirling Avenue, Jarrow, said: “Josh was over the moon with his bike for Christmas. It was all he asked for and I worked really hard to get it for him. He was hoping he would be able to get a paper round now he had his bike.

“It was his pride and joy and he took care of it, always locking it up.

“Having his bike stolen, has just left him gutted.

“He’s a vulnerable child and this has devastated him.”

The bike had been left locked up at the bottom of stairs in a block of flats in Dean Road, Tyne Dock, on Thursday.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Police are continuing their inquiries after a bike was stolen in Dean Road between 9pm and 9.45pm on Thursday, January 21.

“The bike was taken from a communal area of a block of flats. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.”

Police can be contacted on 101. Callers are asked to quote log number 1046 of 21-01-16 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.