An 84-year-old disabled widow is stranded in her home after thieves stole her car.

Bella England's red Ford Escort was taken from outside her flat in Palmeira Square, Hove, where she has lived for 18 years.

The car was parked in a disabled badge holder's space, displaying a blue sticker in the front windscreen.

Mrs England, who suffers from arthritis in her arms and legs, discovered the car missing at 8.30am on Thursday when it was due to be taken to a garage for a service.

She said: "As I am of reduced mobility I rely heavily on my car for shopping, banking and the like. I generally use it every day.

"I shall find it extremely difficult to use public transport due to my physical limitations and those of my elderly dog."

Mrs England, whose husband died 11 years ago, had been ill for a week and unable to use her car.

But she had turned the engine over each day before it went in for its service.

The pensioner says the theft has left her "confused and anxious".

It is the latest in a string of car crimes in the area. Three of Mrs England's neighbours have had their cars stolen or broken into during the past few months.

Inspector Lorraine Morrison of Sussex Police said she would seek to increase patrols in the area.

She said: "Having a car stolen would be considered an inconvenience at the best of times but for someone in Mrs England's position the loss of transport is taking away a lifeline.

"For anybody to intentionally target a disabled driver is reprehensible. It is an offence which we take extremely seriously."

The car's registration number is C116 GKG. It has a rear mudguard missing.

Anyone with information on the theft should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.