A disabled woman says she has been robbed of her lifeline after "heartless" thieves raided her garage and stole her mobility scooter.

Nicola Bryce, 53, of Folkestone, suffers from spina bifida and osteoarthritis, making it impossible to get around without the scooter.

But yesterday, thieves snatched the red battery-operated scooter from her garage, even taking the see-through plastic cover to keep it dry.

Ms Bryce, of Harvey Street, has been left stranded, unable to do her shopping or walk her dog.

She said: "The mobility scooter is my legs, I can't believe someone would do this.

"I have spina bifida and osteoarthritis and although I can walk short distances I rely on my mobility scooter for longer journeys.

"It’s my lifeline and I’m heartbroken that someone has stolen it.

"I'm too upset to even talk about it."

Police are investigating the theft, which happened between 7am and 10am.

Inspector Kevin Stephens is from the Folkestone Community Safety Unit.

He said: "Stealing a mobility scooter is a pretty heartless thing to do and we are keen to reunite Nicola with it as soon as possible.

"We are appealing for anyone who has information about this theft to contact us.

"Maybe you saw someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, or have since been offered a red mobility scooter for sale.

"If you have any information I urge you to get in touch."

If you can help, phone police on 01843 222289 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number ZY/47033/17.