A FOOTBALL mad youngster was left feeling as sick as a parrot just minutes after watching Bolton's victory against Grimsby last night.

Brett Smith of Peterborough Walk, Halliwell, was allowed to stay up and go to last night's game as a special treat for his 11th birthday.

But when Brett returned to his dad's car in Woodgate Street, Great Lever, he discovered that all his birthday presents and even his birthday cards had been stolen from the boot.

Today his mum Tracy Barrett slammed the thieves. She said: "Brett was absolutely devastated - and I felt sick when I found out. "Whoever it was must have realised they were birthday presents, especially with the cards being with them. I hope they have a conscience and realise what upset they have caused."

Brett had collected the presents from relatives yesterday evening before going to the match.

Among his prized gifts were a signed Paul Gascoigne football, Sondico gloves and shin-pads, New Balance football boots and Head sports bag.

His mum added: "He's supposed to be playing football for school tonight and would have been using his new gear."

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