A DISABLED dad has been left stranded after heartless thieves stole his mobility scooter.

Andrew Peach was visiting the cinema when thieves fled with his £4,500, sports-style scooter.

Now police have appealed for help in tracing those responsible.

Mr Peach, known as Andi, is a familiar sight on his scooter, often travelling from his home in Oakdale for many miles across the conurbation.

The 46-year-old was a healthy UK Mail worker until he suffered two massive strokes 10 years ago.

He has also had a triple heart valve replacement and is now totally reliant on his scooter to get around.

Andi is unable to work but volunteers his services at charity Dorset Reclaim and also with a local community church.

He helps out with teenagers and younger children on Sundays at the Sunnyhill Church, which currently meets at Magna Academy in Poole.

Andi, who is married with two stepsons and one daughter, told the Daily Echo: "After suffering the strokes I had to learn to do everything all over again. I had always been right-sided but that side was affected so I had to learn to do everything with the left side of my body.

"I had to learn to walk, talk and write again. I an totally dependent on my scooter to get around.

"I travel for miles on it every day and it will be very expensive to replace."

The scooter is a black TGA Vita Sport and was left outside Cineworld between 8.15pm and 10.30pm on Sunday December 9 while Andi watched a screening of Mortal Engines.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 11.19pm on Sunday December 9 that a mobility scooter had been stolen from outside the entrance to the cinema at Tower Park.

"The scooter, a black TGA Vita Sport, had reportedly been left at the location at 8.15pm while the victim went to watch a film. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Anyone with information can contact us on 101, quoting occurrence number 55180197642."