THIEVES left a pair of seven-year-old twins devastated after they stole their mountain bikes.

They sneaked into the back garden of Pauline Hennessey's home in Watson Road, Farnworth, and took the bikes belonging to her twin daughters, Sarah and Zoe.

Pauline, who is a full-time carer for Zoe who is disabled, said: "I cannot believe that anyone would steal bikes belonging to little twin girls. Those bikes brought the girls so much pleasure. They were always riding around Farnworth - those bikes were their pride and joy and they are lost without them."

And the family have found it difficult explaining to Zoe what has happened.

The youngster suffered from meningitis when she was a baby and has been left with short-term memory loss.

She attends Cherry Tree Primary School in Farnworth with her sister.

Pauline, aged 39, said: "We tell Zoe the bikes have been stolen one minute and the next, she is asking all over again what's happened to them.

"Her sister really looks after her and is trying to tell her they have been stolen."

The thieves walked into the family's back garden on Wednesday afternoon during torrential rain.

They took the bikes but left Sarah and Zoe's helmets which were lying next to them. They also left their older brother Martin's bike, which was having a wheel repaired.

The identical bikes were a Christmas present from the girls' grandfather. Both are green with pink stickers.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.