YOUNG Jonathan Whittle's birthday celebrations were brought to an abrupt end when his present was snatched by a bullying thief.
The Bennies birthday boy had enjoyed his seventh party, courtesy of a Bolton Evening News competition, at the Beaumont Hotel.
But the smiles turned to tears when his mountain bike was stolen.
The crook, aged about 30, approached Jonathan as he visited a neighbour's house.
He asked the youngster if the bike was his, then snatched it. He rode off to join another man, also on a bike.
Jonathan, of Chiswick Drive, Little Lever, returned home heartbroken and his mother Susan contacted the police. She said: "I don't know what the world is coming to when a grown man snatches a seven-year-old's bike and rides off on it.
"The police woman said that he did the right thing handing the bike over, because otherwise the man could have turned nasty.
"We are all very upset and Jonathan is heartbroken."
The bike is a distinctive black and silver colour.
Anyone who can help trace it should contact them on 0161 872 5050.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article