Thieves have stolen wheelchairs from a city supermarket which are provided for disabled and elderly customers to be pushed around the store.

They went missing last week from Morrisons at Wincheap, much to the dismay of users including one pensioner who branded the thieves mean beyond belief.

The two wheelchairs are usually kept by the customer service desk along with two other motorised chairs which are locked up.

Store duty manager Paul Hiles said: "We really didn’t expect them to be stolen, particularly as they have Morrisons branding all over them.

"It’s a pretty miserable thing to do because they are for the use of our less mobile customers to get around the store.

"Obviously, we apologise for the inconvenience and we have ordered replacements which I hope will arrive as soon as possible."

Morrisons company spokesman Paul Fitzjohn added: "We’re shocked and disappointed that anyone would want to steal a wheelchair and are working with the police to find their whereabouts."

Chairman of the Canterbury and District Pensioners Forum, Ann Belworthy said: "Some of our members use wheelchairs and this is a horrible thing to do. I can’t believe someone would stoop so low. It really is a very sad sign of the times.

"It’s hard enough for disabled and elderly people to get out and about as it is and being able to shop for themselves is important."

Police spokesman Jane Walker said: "Three women were seen leaving the store with one of the wheelchairs and we are waiting to examine the store’s CCTV footage to help with identification."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.