BURGLARS have stolen the Christmas gifts a Radcliffe mother had bought for her only child.

Nicola Appleby worked hard in the run-up to the festive season to pay for a new mini motorbike and accessories for her eight-year-old son, Matthew Whittle.

On Christmas Day, Matthew tore open his presents and was thrilled to find the bike he had been hoping for.

But four days later, thieves broke through the back door into the family home on Knowles Street, taking more than £500 worth of presents, including the bike, helmet and special jacket.

Ms Appleby said: "We are both absolutely devastated and can only assume that someone local might have seen Matthew out on his bike and wanted it."

Along with the bike, a portable DVD player was also taken, along with a selection of computer games and a piggy bank containing more than £50 that Matthew had been saving for his holidays.

Ms Appleby added: "Matthew was heartbroken when we realised the bike had gone, and it was hard to console him. He hasn't wanted to stay at home much since it happened either, and we keep realising that more and more things have been taken."

Inspector Steve Clark confirmed that a number of homes had been targeted in the area.

He said: "It's worrying that there have been a number of burglaries but we are doing everything we can to detect the offences. We are also doing high-profile work in the area to try and prevent them.

"If anyone knows anything about this particular offence or any others that have occurred in the area, they can contact the station counter on 856 8291 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111."