AN appeal has been launched after a car was stolen hours after the owner bought it.

Samantha Kay, of Masefield Road, Little Lever, picked up her red Ford Kuga ST-Line X Spec car from Evan Halshaw Ford Blackpool on Thursday at around 11.30am.

But several hours later, between 7.30pm and 10.30pm, the vehicle – which was parked on the road outside Samantha's home – was taken by thieves in a keyless car theft.

The registration plate that the car had was PN18 LHO.

STOLEN: Samantha Kays red Ford Kuga ST-Line X Spec

STOLEN: Samantha Kay's red Ford Kuga ST-Line X Spec

Mum-of-three Samantha, 30, said: "When I saw my car was gone I felt sick.

"I couldn't believe it and I was heartbroken.

"I still have both keys to the car.

"My partner Luke is a key worker for a water utilities company and he bought me this car with his hard-earned money.

"Two children's car seats (one pink and the other red) were still in the car when it was stolen too."

There has been a rise in keyless car thefts in Greater Manchester and further afield in recent years.

Criminals have found a way to clone wireless key signals from car keys inside homes, enabling them to open the vehicle outside, start the engine and drive the vehicle away.

Samantha added: "These people who took my car are a disgrace to life, nobody can have anything nice these days."

If you have any information about the theft or the whereabouts of the stolen Ford Kuga contact police on 101 quoting crime reference number CRI/06KK/0006325/21.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.