It has been revealed that a famous English model, who is also a student, has had her bike stolen.

The fashion icon and actress, who is studying history at Cambridge university, had regularly been seen in the city on her £600 Pashley Princess Sovereign bicycle.

However, the bike’s attractiveness appealed to thieves also, as it was soon taken by criminals from the university campus, leaving the woman without her means of getting around the city.

"They took the basket off and left it on the ground. I think that was the most hurtful part of the ordeal," the 21-year-old explained.

She said that she had purchased the bike "because it had a nice basket", but the thieves obviously had other reasons for taking it. Insurers have urged bike owners to purchase bike insurance after the latest theft.

This follows recent advice from Amiya Bhatia, welfare officer at Cambridge UniversityStudent Union, who suggested student possession insurance is vital. She also recommended students should insure all their valuables, such as TVs and laptops.