Lifeline snatched

Disabled Terry Butler has been left housebound after thieves snatched his Rover 216 - complete with disabled badges - parked outside his Dunbar Close home.

His wheelchair was inside.

The 62-year-old, who suffers from chronic rheumatoid arthritis, was at home when the thieves struck on Wednesday afternoon, but had no idea that his maroon and grey car was missing until his landlady came home and spotted it had gone.

"I just feel numb," Mr Butler said.

"I've always had old bangers and had saved really hard to buy a decent car. Now it's gone and I'm gutted. The car was my lifeline and I can't afford to buy another one."

The G-registration Rover was eventually found dumped and torched, and has now been towed to a scrapyard in Halesowen.

Although Mr Butler can get around the house with the use of a stick, he needs a wheelchair when he goes out anywhere.

He had been given temporary use of a chair by the Red Cross in Kidderminster while he was put on a waiting list for a permanent one.

"The waiting lists for wheelchairs are long and people who are worse off than I am are obviously a priority so I don't know how long it will take to get another chair," he said.

"The car and the wheelchair enabled me to go out to break the monotony of the day, but now I'm stuck inside.

"It's not so bad during the winter because it's so cold but with the summer approaching, I'm going to be stuck at home.

"The whole thing just makes me feel sick.

"The people who did this must have seen the disabled badges on the dashboard. They've no feelings at all.

"Even if they'd left the wheelchair and not torched the car - its such a waste."

Kidderminster police are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact them or 01562 820888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Anyone able to help Mr Butler with a new wheelchair should contact Nicola Callaghan at the Evening News on 01905 748200.