A pensioner spent the new year celebrations confined to her flat after heartless thieves stole her mobility scooter.

Betty Donkin, 86, suffered an asthma attack when she discovered her lifeline had been snatched.

The £750 scooter was bolted to the wall outside Mrs Donkin's sheltered home in Neill's Close, Newhaven when it was taken in the early hours of new year's eve.

The police were called and the scooter was later recovered nearby but had been vandalised and it is not known whether it can be fixed.

Mrs Donkin, who relies on the scooter to leave the house she shares with husband Ron, said: "I can't believe what has happened.

"I had an asthma attack when I saw it was gone, I couldn't breathe. Newhaven has gone downhill but why these people have to pick on the elderly I don't know."

The pensioner, who suffers from brittle bones as well as asthma, can use a walking frame to get around the house but relies on the scooter to venture outside.

She added: "The scooter was my independence, it meant I could go to the shops and visit people on my own.

"Now I have to rely on others to help me get around. I don't understand why they had to smash it up and break it. What a horrible way to start the new year."

The scooter was found some hours later dumped yards from Mrs Donkin's home by a neighbour, who took it into his garage and called the police.

It had been smashed and the wiring was pulled out and destroyed. It is believed the thieves had earlier used bolt cutters to cut their way through the metal chain which secured the machine to a wall outside the Donkin's home.

Mrs Donkin's daughter Lyn Davies said: "I am so angry about this.

"It just doesn't make any sense. It wasn't insured as I think that is the last thing my parents expected to happen.

"Mum was very upset about it and we don't know if it can be fixed. They've really caused a lot of damage and it ruined new year's eve.

"We only bought the scooter last year and it has been a lifeline for mum as she can get around a lot easier.

"Now I don't know how we are going to replace it. I just hope the police catch whoever is responsible."

Sussex Police have launched an appeal for witnesses.

Anyone with information should call 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.