A mini bike racer has had his bike taken away after thieves allegedly broke into the shed where he parked it.

Ben Prati, 17, finished fourth in the mini moto British Championship at Whilton Mill last year, said a report.

He was expected to take part in the second round of the National Pocket Series next weekend.

The racer’s mother, who complained that they did not have an insurance cover for the bike, claimed someone might have been informed of the presence of the bike in the garden shed before leading to its theft.

Thieves were believed to have drilled hinges off the door before gaining access to the shed.

Meanwhile, police are calling on witnesses to come forward with information that could lead to the recovery of the bike.

In a separate development, a teenager who crashed a stolen motorbike reportedly left his electronic tagging device at the scene, and police were able to trace him using it.

Lee Muttram, 19, admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and having no bike insurance.

But he was jailed 20 weeks after the court heard he had previous convictions for similar offences.