A teenager has been left devastated after his stolen moped was found burnt out in a field close to his home.

Alfie Lucas, from New Barn, near Gravesend, was distraught when he woke to discover his pride and joy had been stolen.

Despite being chained, secured with a wheel lock and hidden under a cover, thieves managed to make-off with his £2,000 moped while he slept. According to CCTV it disappeared from their home in Orchard Close just after 1am on Thursday, March 23.

The bike was recovered a few days later burnt out in a field five minutes from Alfie's home after he put out an appeal on social media and a dog walker came across it.

Alfie, 17, said: "We were looking at our CCTV and we caught the culprits trying to get into my neighbour's car before running off with my bike five minutes later.

"I'm guessing they burnt it because they couldn't get it to start."

Alfie is now reliant on family for his 25-minute college commute instead of riding himself like he used to.

He said: "It's really disappointing as not only have these thieves ruined and destroyed my way to college but also my freedom to go places."

A police spokesman confirmed officers were investigating and had reviewed available CCTV footage.

The theft happened just days before special needs school, Milestone Academy, in Ash Road, New Ash Green, had its minibus stolen at 8pm on Monday, March 27.

A police spokesman said investigations into the circumstances were ongoing.

There have been a number of thefts from sheds and outbuildings in the area since November.

Ash and New Ash Green Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Laura Manston said: "I'm saddened to hear of these crimes and the impact they have had on local people.

"We live in a relatively low crime area so I hope people don't worry unduly but it's important for us to maintain vigilance and report every crime to the police, however small it may seem.

"I also urge everyone to join Neighbourhood Watch to send a united message that crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated."