THIEVES who stole a 12-year-old boy’s off-road bike have been urged to “examine their consciences”.

Leo Patridge’s 140cc 4-stroke pit bike, which was a Christmas present, was stolen from the garage at his father’s home.

Jon Partridge is appealing for information to find the machine, which disappeared from Grange Walk, Taunton, between Sunday and Wednesday, May 11 an 14.

He said: “The bike is very special to Leo and he’s really hoping to get it back.

“Since he got the bike at Christmas, we’ve taken it to local forests and motocross events.

“He’s pretty shocked at how someone could do this. It’s difficult for him to understand.

“I’m hoping someone will know who took it, or has seen it since it was taken.”

The bike is marked with the manufacturer's name M2R (Made2Race) on the seat and the engine.

Investigating officer PC David Hughes said: “I would urge the person or people responsible for this theft to examine their consciences and think about the impact this crime has had on a 12-year-old boy.”

Anyone who is offered the bike for sale or sees one similar to it being sold in the Taunton area or on-line, call PC Hughes on 101 and quote reference 48313/14.