A retired engineer has been left virtually housebound after thieves stole his home-made scooter.

Widower Douglas Johnson, of Cowper Street, Hove, spent several years building and refining the three-wheeled vehicle from spare parts.

The 78-year-old, who used the scooter every day, is heartbroken about the theft and now has difficulty leading a normal life as he finds it hard to walk long distances.

Mr Johnson said: "I had driven the scooter to a friend's house in Sackville Road last Wednesday.

I parked it nearby but when I returned about an hour later, it had gone.

"It is a vital piece of equipment for me. I use it to go shopping and for lots of other things. I can walk a bit but I can't go far. I'm completely lost without the scooter."

Mr Johnson originally bought a second-hand American scooter for his wife Connie, who died six years ago. Since then he has modified the chassis to make it more suitable for himself, using the knowledge he gained during his years working for a small engineering development company.

The scooter is powered by a motor from a Sinclair C5 and 12-volt caravan battery.

It is blue, with two distinctive 12in spoked white wheels at the back and a black rubber bicycle wheel at the front.

Family friend Tony Spear said people were outraged by the theft.

He said: "Lots of people round here have gone out looking for it but we haven't seen anything."

Mr Spear said an anonymous person has offered a £50 reward for the return of the scooter.

Anyone with information is asked to call 01273 422205.