A GRANDFATHER-of-two has been left housebound after thieves stole the mo - bility scooter he relies on to get around.

Roy Meston,72, is unable to walk more than 40 paces due to blood circulation complications in his ankles. 

The retired Ford worker described his “devastation” to find his black Voyager mobility scooter stolen from outside his home in Fell Christy, Chelmsford, as he slept.

He said: “I use the scooter so I can leave the house. I use it to take my little dog Ben for a walk, and to do my shopping.

“I can only walk about 40 paces be - cause of blood circulation problems in in my ankles, so I’m housebound now.

“I feel devastated, it’s like someone has taken my legs away.

“I wanted to use it so I could go to the shops.

“I’ve lived here for 24 years now and there hasn’t ever been any kind of problem – I just keep myself to myself.”

Without sufficient space to store the electrical scooter in his home, Mr Wes - ton has been charging it up outside his flat overnight.

The heartless crime has left Mr Meston trying to borrow money from friends and family, so he can leave the house again.

He added: “Luckily I do have people who can help a neighbour is kindly walking Ben for me.”

Essex Police is appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: “The theft of a mobility scooter from outside a property in Patching Hall, Chelmsford, has been reported to police.

"Anybody who has any information about who may have taken it is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”