A 10-year-old disabled boy is heartbroken after thieves broke into his home and stole his pride and joy - a £2,000 go-kart.

Alain Day, who is severely autistic, became a different boy when he received the gleaming go-kart for his birthday six months ago. His parents say it inspired him to talk, express himself and smile again.

But now he is back to square one, distraught and staring constantly at the trailer on which his go-kart was kept in the back garden of the family home in Camden Close, Lordswood, Chatham.

His mother, Amanda, 33, said: "I am absolutely gutted. I cannot believe that somebody could be so cruel as to take away a disabled child's inspiration." Alain said: "I am very, very upset. I just want my go-kart to come back again."

Police have told Mrs Day they believe the thief was aware of the family's circumstances.