The CEO of a leading cycling charity's bike was stolen on a train in Kent.

Paul Tuohy, of Cycling UK, was on a service from London to Dartford when thieves struck at around 7.15pm yesterday.

During the course of a conversation with a fellow passenger his Brompton folding bike was taken from behind his chair.

Mr Tuohy, who has led the charity since July 2014, said: "I was travelling back from a meeting in Soho, and as always I put my bike folded up behind my seat.

"I sat down with my phone and started to do some work when a man struck up a conversation with me after noticing the Cycling UK logo on my jacket.

"We had a nice chat for about 20 minutes, but he got off the train a few stops before Dartford.

"When I checked behind my seat, my bike was gone. So at some point during that 20 minute conversation, someone lifted it and walked off.

"It left me with a really empty feeling. I’ve had that Brompton since I started with the charity in 2014. It’s a brilliant bike.

"That bike and me have done a lot of work together for Cycling UK."

Cycling UK was formerly known as the CTC. It champions the rights of cyclists, encouraging more people to get on their bikes for fun, fitness and transport.

Mr Tuohy added: "The bike’s a little bit battered, but it’s recognisable because it has a CTC sticker on the mudguard. It’s just so infuriating."