Beryl Allen, 66, says she has been left housebound by the theft of the scooter, which she had only just bought.

Mrs Allen has arthritis and osteoporosis and cannot leave her home without help.

She says the vehicle was not insured as it was being temporarily kept outside.

The scooter was found in a nearby park

The four-wheeled scooter was kept in the garden of Mrs Allen's home in the Goodwood area of Leicester.

But the vehicle was taken before the delivery of a shed intended to house it.

Two days later friends found it burnt out in a nearby park.

Mrs Allen said: "I had only been out on it three or four times and it was lovely to get out of the house.

"It was the first time I had been down the shops since Christmas.

"I just hope the people who took can't walk very well someday and then need help themselves."