THIS is the moment a thief made off with a stolen buggy from a cricket club - with police now investigating.

Officers have released CCTV of the utility vehicle being stolen from the grounds of East Grinstead Cricket Club.

A suspect can be seen zooming away from the ground on Saint Hill Road, riding the distinctive green John Deere GX Gator.

Police described the theft as a "significant blow" for the club, which is run by volunteers who use the vehicle on a daily basis.

They are appealing for any information that could help catch him following the theft on the evening of Thursday, June 10.

The Argus: Police are appealing to members of the public for help identifying this manPolice are appealing to members of the public for help identifying this man

At the time, the Gator was being used to transport irrigation pipes and had been left alongside the cricket field for a short period of time.

The key had been removed from the ignition but the thief was able to jump start the vehicle and drive it away from the scene at around 9.20pm.

The suspect was seen rounding the corner by a sign for the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill Manor.

He was seen turning onto West Hoathly Road towards the Weir Wood reservoir - however it is currently unclear where he went after that.

A police spokesman said: "The loss of the vehicle is a significant blow for the volunteer-run club as it was used almost daily throughout the cricket season for ground preparation."

The suspect can be seen wearing a cap, jacket, shorts and trainers in CCTV stills which were released by police today.

Anyone who saw the Gator being driven in the area on that evening, who recognises the driver or who has any information about the location of the vehicle is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 208 of 11/06.

East Grinstead Cricket Club have four senior men's teams, a women's team and a number of junior sides which compete around Sussex.

John Deere is an American company that makes agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery - including tractors.

The company's are well known for their distinctive green vehicles which sell for tens of thousands of pounds.