CALLOUS burglars stole a tandem belonging to a severely autistic Widnes boy.

Lesley Allen bought the specialist bike to teach her 12-year-old son, Cameron, how to ride.

He mastered the skill so well, she bought him his own pedal cycle and two more bikes so his two carers could accompany him.

Thieves wrenched bolts off her garden gate and shed and stole the tandem and the carers’ bikes.

Lesley, aged 45, of Eversley, Hough Green, said: “I’m absolutely livid.

“Taking Cameron out on the tandem was great as he was able to ride on the back and enjoy the freedom of cycling.

“He did so well, I taught him to ride on his own. I had to get two other bikes so his carers could go with him.

“I want to teach other autistic children to ride on the tandem.”

The stolen bikes were found dumped the following day in woods beside the railway line at Prescot bridge.

Lesley, added: “I’m made up to get them back. They are damaged.

“I think the thieves who took them are scum.

“People in the area would have seen us out together on the tandem and know Cameron is disabled.

“They are just picking on easy targets, stealing from people who are just as skint as them.

“I live in a terrace, not a big swanky house.

“This has really unnerved me. I’ve put more locks on but I’m terrified.

“I want to warn people to get lights in their back gardens and big bolts to make everything is secure.”

PC Chris Hull from Widnes Neighbourhood Policing Unit is appealing for anyone with information about the theft to call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.