The Bexhill resident is ruing his bad luck after his bicycle, which had previously been stolen twice before, was taken again.

At about 2.30pm on Wednesday July 14 the man, who is in his eighties, left the bike leaning against a shop near the railway station in Sea Road, Bexhill, while he shopped for refreshments across the road.

When he returned, the bike was gone.

The blue Universal folding bike is Polish-made, with small wheels, black saddle, silver mudguards, dynamo lighting and a wire basket attached to the rear.

PC Elise Beckham said: "The gentleman is understandably upset as it is his only means of transport. On two previous occasions, he has been fortunate enough to be reunited with his bike and we hope that this will be the case this time."

If anyone has any information about the theft or has seen the bicycle abandoned anywhere, please call 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1082 of 14/07 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on0800 555 111.