Magician Etiene Pradier shows where the bike was taken from outside his house

by James Scott

Magician to the stars Etienne Pradier is offering a special reward for information after thieves made his son's prized tricycle disappear.

The 47-year-old international illusionist said he will give a free magic show to whoever returns his 11-year-old son Clement's Ballanzbike.

The tricycle, worth about £500, was stolen from outside his home in Upper Bridge Street, Wye, sometime after 10pm last Thursday.

Mr Pradier has performed for a host of celebrities and members of the royal family - including the Queen, Princes Charles, Harry and William as well as Princess Ann.

He said: "Clement is quite upset because it was a bike he uses every day and it was a Christmas present as well, so my boy was disappointed.

"It's one of a kind because it was ordered from Germany. The police said it's quite a distinctive bike so they're going to look around to see if anyone is trying to sell it."

Clement and Emile Pradier on the £500 Ballanzbike from Germany

One resident told the French magic man that he had seen a van with a trailer driving around the area earlier that night.

Neighbours have also reported several hanging baskets and a big iron pot are missing. It was the second time that a bike has been taken from outside the Pradiers' house.

Mr Pradier said: "There are many stories about a van-type car going around in the night and stealing anything they could find in the village.

"Even in the day someone saw it happen just next to the bank.

"If someone can give me my son's bike, or help me find it, I will give them a free show.

"As for the thief, I will make him disappear to jail."

International magician Etienne Pradier

Mr Pradier trained as a mechanical engineer, but dropped out and worked as a model in Paris before meeting magician David Copperfield who inspired him to become an illusionist.

He has now been a member of the Magic Circle since 1997.

The magician of 25 years recently performed for Prime Minister David Cameron and is due to put on a show for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver soon.

Mr Pradier appeared on ITV's Penn and Teller: Fool Us last year - and managed to perform a trick they could not work out.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police non-emergency number 101.