Cadet's bicycle is stolen while he lays remembrance wreath

The callous crook stole Daniel Booker's mountain bike while he performed the civic duty at the town hall war memorial.

The theft ruined what had been one of Daniel's proudest moments '“ to represent the fire and rescue service in front of an estimated 1,000-plus people.

Daniel said: "I was very proud to lay the wreath. I was a bit nervous because I was surprised at the number of people who were there."

His mother, Kim Booker, said: "The theft of his bike is really upsetting and has just ruined everything about the day."

Police officers are investigating the theft.

Daniel (15), of Brickfields Close, arrived at Bognor Regis fire station at West Meads Drive at about 9.15am on Sunday (November 9) ready to leave half an hour later for the service.

He locked his Timberline silver and grey bike to a lamppost outside the station as he has done for the past two months since he was given the bike.

"I've looked after the bike very well," he stated. "I lock it up everywhere I go."

The Timberline model was worth about 250 when it was bought seven or eight years ago and had hardly been used.

Bognor Regis Community College student Daniel was stunned the bike had been stolen when he returned to the fire station at about 11.45am after the service.

He said: "I was quite shocked to see the bike had gone. I was with my friend and I began to look around for my bike. He went on but I was just standing there wondering if I had actually locked it up to the lamppost.

"But then I saw the remains of the smashed lock on the ground. So I knew it had been taken."

Daniel used the bike every day to do his nan's shopping and other family jobs as well as attending the fire cadets every week.

He added: "I'm going to have to save up for a new bike or sell my Nintendo Wii. I've no other choice."

He was among seven cadets who volunteered to take part in Sunday's service and was chosen to lay the wreath by their commanding officer.

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