A TEN-year-old boy is devastated after thieves rammed a car into a garage door - and then stole his birthday present.

Amanda Fairhurst, 34, who lives in Vange, was storing a blue off-road bike in her dad’s garage after buying it for son Charlie’s birthday.

Just three days before his big day, the family were told by police the garage, in Longmead, Pitsea, had been broken into.

Miss Fairhurst said: “By the sounds of it, someone rammed the garage door with the car by reversing into it.

“They have left my dad’s old Mini, but took the bike for Charlie and a toolbox.

“They must have made a lot of noise smashing the garage doors as a neighbour phoned the police to let them know what was happening.”

Miss Fairhurst had bought the bike for £400, but they are usually worth about £600.

She was unable to replace it in time for Charlie’s birthday yesterday, and believes she will struggle to buy a new one at all now.

Miss Fairhurst said: “Charlie has always wanted a bike.

“I spent a lot of time saving up the money so I could get him one for his birthday.

“He is really upset.

“It is heartbreaking really that this has happened.

“I am really hoping that someone will find it.

“He was really looking forward to having a bike - it would be the first one that he has ever had.

“He has wanted one for many years now.

“It is awful that someone has done this and stolen from him.

“I really, really want that bike back.”

Miss Fairhurst believes thieves targeted the garage after spotting the bike being put in there.

There have been reported sightings of it around Basildon, including in Timberlog Lane, but efforts to track it down have so far been unsuccessful.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact Miss Fairhurst by emailing amanda-1982@hotmail.co.uk.

A fundraising page has been set up to raise money for a replacement bike for Charlie.

So far, it has reached £30.

To donate, visit gofundme.com/nephew-bday-present-stolen-2vmas6k

Anyone with information which can help should call Essex police immediately on 101 - or alternatively they should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.