"Appalling" Theft From Disabled Man

Police have condemned the theft of cash from a disabled man in Dorset as ''appalling''.

The 46-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair, had £30 taken from his wallet in the incident in Poole last week.

Police said the man, who is not being identified, was the victim of a theft at the junction of Springfield Road and North Road between 2.40pm and 3pm on January 17.

PC Will Burnett, who is investigating the incident, said:

''The victim, from Poole, has a form of cerebral palsy that confines his daily activities to an electric wheelchair.

''It also affects his ability to be understood when he talks to others who do not know him.

''This type of appalling crime is extremely unusual. I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone who has any information about the man responsible, to contact me as soon as possible.

''The offender is described as a white man, aged in his 20s, around 5ft 11in tall, with short brown hair.

''He was wearing jeans, a white baseball cap and a white jacket, which was done up.''

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police.