A TEENAGER who had raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity had his beloved motocross bike stolen days after competing in a beach race to raise vital funds.

James Bates had his black Honda CRF 150 motocross bike stolen from his dad's van during a callous raid on a Worcester storage facility overnight on Monday (October 12), into this morning (Tuesday, October 13).

The 14-year Christopher Whitehead Language College pupil had competed with friends on the bike at the weekend during the RHL Weston Beach Race, billed as the 'maddest, baddest and biggest event in the off-road calendar'.

James together with three friends raised £220 for Cancer Research UK in honour of family friends who are or who have battled the disease, building on the £1,000 they raised at last year's event.

During the raid, which has been reported to West Mercia Police, the thief or thieves broke into the locked green Renault Master van and left deep scratches on side of the vehicle which the family believe happened as they tried to drag away the bike through a narrow gap.

The family had only had the bike five months, buying it specifically for the race.

The thieves also stole two helmets. However, they did not have everything their own way as James's dad, Mark, had removed two plastic side panels and the seat for cleaning.

However, it is a blow for the family and for Cancer Research as they had planned to sell the £2,000 bike to boost their total for the charity.

During the raid the thieves also cut their way through a heavy-duty wire mesh fence to get to the van which was parked in the storage facility, leaving a 4ft by 3ft hole.

Mr Bates said: "It is really disappointing. We were going to sell the bike and give some of the proceeds to Cancer Research UK. They have literally taken the money from people fighting cancer."

His wife Sarah said: "It's just gutting. You don't feel safe having anything. My son loves his motocross."

The damage was ultimately spotted by workmen at around 8.30am on Tuesday who reported it to the manager of the storage facility. The offence was then relayed to the family who then reported the matter to police.

Those with information can contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident reference 154S131015. The frame number is JHRKE03B17K001039.