A WOMAN who has a degenerative illness meaning she has to use crutches to walk has had the only bike she can ride stolen from outside her house.

Miriam King left her 1950s ladies' bike locked up in its usual place on the railing outside her house in Atlingworth Street, Brighton, on Monday evening.

When she returned shortly after 11pm the dark green BSA Safety Shopping Model R9 had been taken and its front basket left on her front doorstep.

The 56-year-old said: "It had quite a strong padlock and chain. Even they had gone and there was a cigarette lighter on the ground. I am at a bit of a loss."

Ms King has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a disorder of the tissues connecting skin, muscles and ligaments, and relies on the bike to get around.

The drama teacher said: "Recently over the last few months I have had to start using crutches to walk but I can still ride that bike because I have been riding that style of bike for 40 years.

"It is very low and the handles are close together and you can step through to get on and I am so familiar riding it.

"I cannot walk very well but riding that bike and swimming also helps strengthen my muscles."

She said a neighbour had heard noises at about 9.30pm and had looked outside to see a man clanking around with the bike.

But she assumed it was his, Ms King added, and did not realise what was happening until later asked about the incident.

Ms King said she had reported the theft to the police non-emergency number and was told to keep an eye out for the bike on eBay and at markets.

She added: "They said if they did get any bikes in that were stolen they would be able to identify it.

"I would have thought it is too rusty to be worth much.

"To whoever took it, I don't know what I would say. What value can it be for you compared to the value it is for my mobility?"

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 1851 of February 8.