A CHARITY has been left in shock after its new community minibus was stolen, ransacked and destroyed by “despicable” thieves.

The vehicle was taken from outside the Christian Outreach Centre, in Broad Street Green, Heybridge, and driven to a field off London Road, between Maldon and Woodham Walter, where it was stripped of components, including the radiator and battery, and burnt out.

The charity had planned to use the bus to take vulnerable people on day trips to seaside towns such as Clacton, Walton and Frinton.

Restoration work on the vehicle had only just been completed.

Senior pastor Ted Mint said he was “gutted” about the theft.

Mr Mint said: “We bought it about six months ago and we have been doing some work on the steering. We replaced the battery and did some of the bodywork up. We had only just got it ready for use.

“We were going to use it to take out people who can’t get out of their home on day trips and shopping trips, but we can’t do that now.