A DISABLED teenager who was devastated when his much-loved go-kart was stolen has been reunited with it.

William Weller, 14, of Common Lane, Thundersley, is delighted at the return of his beloved go-kart after it was stolen from the garden almost two weeks ago.

Thieves made off with the vehicle after sneaking up the side of the house in the middle of the night.

William, who suffers from severe learning difficulties due to a problem with his chromosomes, was heartbroken as the go-kart was one of his most prized possessions and he could not understand why it had gone.

Now, mother Debbie Willis is thrilled after kind-hearted Rayleigh police officer Det Sgt Rob Kirby contacted her, saying police had found the kart.

Miss Willis said: “They found it in Beerhurst out in the street with a stash of other stuff – quite expensive stuff apparently.

“We don’t know what they would want with that rusty old thing. The go-kart was seen by an officer who had read the story of its theft in the Echo.

“If he hadn’t read about it we would certainly never have got it back.

“William was really distressed when it was stolen because he loves it. He was sitting by the front window crying and he thinks the policeman is a bit of a hero.”

Miss Willis said friends and colleagues had been very supportive. She said: “Lots of people from my work have said to me how upsetting it was. I want to thank everyone.”

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “Goods were found at 2:30 am by special constables. Items found included watches, champagne and Nintendo Wii games.

“We are delighted to be able to return the go-kart and will return the other items found as soon as possible. Anyone with information should call Rayleigh police station on 101.”