An apprentice mechanic has been left devastated after his £1,300 motorbike was stolen and set alight just five days after buying it.

Ben Bennett had locked the red Honda outside his grandad's house in Greenhithe on Monday at around 6pm.

They decided to go out to celebrate Ben finishing the second part of his course, but their plans were ruined when they left and found the bike was missing from the drive in the high street.

It was found less than 200 yards away in the underpass heading towards Ingress Park where it had been set on fire. No arrests have been made and no suspects identified.

The 18-year-old, from Northcote Road, Gravesend, said: "I have to work really hard for what I have got so it is a bit disappointing losing it.

"I was over to visit my grandad and show off my new bike. It was locked up so I have no idea how they would have moved it. They could not get the lock off so thought burning it was better.

"I am not so much angry any more, just disappointed that there are people that can do that and just take someone else's property and burn it because they could not ride it."

Ben works almost seven days a week as an apprentice and a bus conductor, and had been saving to pay his nan Dena Bennett back for the bike and for the extras he needed.

It was £1,300 for the bike itself then a further £300 on leathers and a helmet, £100 on locks and £800 on insurance which he paid upfront for the year.

The vehicle was to help the teenager get to and from work and college while he waited for his driving test and could afford to buy a car.

Nan Dena said: "It was a lifeline for him. He was so angry and said it felt personal. It is just low-lives who do not care."

Ben's mum Honey Bennett, 36, added: "You do not expect it. This boy did not deserve what happened to him. He did everything right.

"He is absolutely devastated. He has worked so hard, he feels like the whole world is against him.

"He had gone over to celebrate finishing his second part of his apprenticeship but that was scuppered when they left and saw the bike stolen.

"He only had it for five minutes. I just think it is incredibly cruel.

"The work ethic on him is tremendous. I do not know many 18-year-olds who have that.

"He has not had anything handed to him on a plate. He was so proud of that bike and he had passed his CBT course. He had a new leg of independence and now it is gone.

"There are so many young adults doing things wrong, but he was doing it all right. He is always got his head down and minded his own business."

To help pay for a new bike and locks, the mum-of-two has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise £1,000. You can donate here.

Ben thanked those who had already donated and said any extra money raised he will be donating to the ellenor hospice in Northfleet.