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.

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