DEVASTATED Jake Meakin fears his trophy-winning days are over after thieves stole his miniature motorbike.

The seven-year-old was heartbroken when the 50cc motorcross machine was taken from his mum's garden in Hillgate, Stockport.

The crooks even phoned the family to ransom the bike - saying they could have it back if they paid £500.

Mum Kath Grace said: ''I was gutted for Jake, because he's done so well at his racing.

Competitions

''He goes every weekend with his nine-year-old brother Jamie and the pair of them have won lots of competitions.

''Jake just burst into tears when he found out it was gone. Racing is Jake's life.''

Dad Carl Meakin, 38, of Offerton, said an anonymous caller tried to lure him to the Showcase cinema in Gorton, to hand over £500 in return for the orange motorbike.

He was told: ''Come alone, and don't get the police involved.''

Mr Meakin was told he would recognise the blackmailers by their yellow Volkswagen Golf GTI and arranged to meet them.

But he called the police and two plain-clothes officers were sent to the cinema rendezvous point in his place.

Mr Meakin said: ''I was fuming. The thieves described the bike to me perfectly, right down to the handlebars and even told me they had scratched off the number plate on the front.

''I'm sure it wasn't a prank call but there's not a chance in hell I'd hand over the money, so I called the police straight away.''

But the blackmailers failed to show up and no one has been arrested.

Now Jamie's mum doubts whether the youngster will ever see his pride and joy again.

She said: ''It's a very cruel and mean trick to play on a child. It's absolutely callous and unforgivable.''

The bike was stolen between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday August 6. Anyone with information should ring the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.

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