Hartlepool boy gets new bike in ‘unexpected’ generosity act after theft leaves him ‘devastated’

Mason Bowlt’s brand new bike was ‘his pride and joy’, but it was stolen in front of his eyes just six weeks after he’d got it.

The nine-year-old Kinglsley Primary pupil had made the money for the bicycle himself by selling two of his old bikes and his electric motorbike.

Mason’s mum Lisa, 45, has said the theft happened while Mason was waiting for one of his friends to get a haircut.

The carer said: "One was getting his haircut and the others were outside the shop with their bikes.

"My son had walked away a little bit and they’d seen a gang of lads.

"They presumed they were watching them so he started walking back down towards his bike where his friend was.

"But this lad jumped on it and basically rode away with it.”

Lisa, from the Rossmere area of town, continued: "He’s been really upset.

"He was absolutely devastated.

"He loves riding his bike, it was his pride and joy.”

However, two of the football teams Mason plays with, Hartlepool ST Francis FC and Tyne and Wear Junior Football Club donated money for a new bike for the youngster.

Lisa said: “We were totally blown away with the kindness of Mason’s football teams. We never expected such generosity.”

Cleveland Police have asked for anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with them.

A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of theft of a pedal bike from outside a barbers shop at the junctions of York Road and Victoria Road around 4:30pm on Saturday, May 22.

"The bike is described as a Voodoo model – which is grey with bright orange writing.

"The suspect is described as a male of thin build wearing a grey tracksuit and black woollen hat. The bike is believed to have been ridden along York Road, towards Elliot Street.

“The suspect is believed to have been in company with a small group of males.

"Anyone with information or anyone who may know the whereabouts of the bike, or been offered it for sale, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting incident number 82169.

"Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

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