A CASH-strapped dad-of-three has blasted thieves who stole his daughter's Christmas present and the pedal cycle he needs to get to work. Alan Whittle was so pleased when he landed a steady job after a long period out of work, he got a bike to make the 15-mile round trip to Ramsbottom each day because he couldn't afford a car. He and his fiancee Diane Kirk had saved hard to buy gifts for his three children for the first time in two years.

But when the family returned to the couple's home in Mobberley Road, Breightmet, after an afternoon out, they were devastated to find that thieves had smashed their way in.

The thieves escaped with Alan's bike and also grabbed a CD player bought for his 12-year-old daughter Emma and £35 cash.

Now the distraught man, who moved to Bolton two years ago, says he wants to move out of the town after being burgled twice in recent months.

Fighting back tears he told the BEN: "I only got my job about two months ago after being out of work. It's a proper job and we're trying really hard to earn a living with just one wage coming in.

"I bike to work every day and we are desperately trying to make ends meet and then people do this to you. This has finally broken me.

"I know the CD player is not the most expensive model but Emma had set her heart on it. She was gutted when we found what had happened but now she's being a real star.

"When we first moved to this area we thought it was brilliant but now I hate it. I want to leave Bolton behind. I don't want any charity from people. If I found out who had done this I don't know what I would do. I'm not a voilent person but I have had enough."

Alan says he cannot afford to buy a new bike but he has vowed he will walk to work if he has to.

Neighbour Maggie Gallagher, who telephoned the police after the family discovered the burglary, said: "It's had an awful effect on Alan. It's terrible to see a grown man cry but he was so upset for his daughter."

Police are investigating the burglary.

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