A DISABLED woman has become a prisoner in her own home after her mobility scooter was stolen and then dumped in a canal.

Gillian Amiss, aged 47, of Ombersley Road, Droit-wich, has been left heartbroken after her lifeline to the outside world was deliberately taken.

Mrs Amiss, who has mental and physical disabilities and suffers from asthma and diabetes, left the scooter outside the Railway Inn in Kidder-minster Road, Droitwich, on Wednesday, March 28.

She and her husband Martin were in the pub with friends at about 2.30pm when the incident happened.

It is believed that a boy as young as 10 years old took the scooter and then dumped it in the canal.

The Canals Trust, which is carrying out work nearby, managed to recover the scooter, but the effects of the water may mean it will never work again.

Mr Amiss said: "What a horrible thing to do. I can't understand it. My wife has been very upset by this and spent the whole evening crying.

"She even had a name for the scooter and depended on it.

"She can't understand why this has happened. Children of that age should be in school, not out stealing.

"She has been grounded. She is a prisoner in her own home and can't get out without it unless she gets a taxi, which is just not possible."

Mike Rich, of MKMobility Ltd in Droitwich, has attempted to repair the scooter for Mrs Amiss, but he doesn't think he will be able to repair the damage caused by the water.

He said: "The Canals Trust managed to recover the scooter and it was brought here.

"I have been trying to repair it and will offer the labour free of charge or give them a discount if they need to replace it because it was not insured. This is a terrible thing to happen."

Droitwich police want to hear from anyone who saw a boy aged about 10 or 11 wheeling a scooter towards Vines Lane at about 2.30pm on March 28.

Police can be contacted on 08457 444 888, quoting the incident number 403S/270307 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.