HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a lad's treasured scooter in Junction Road - but generous Andover strangers have already offered to replace it.

The blue and silver scooter was taken at about 11pm last night.

It belonged to a boy who, along with his mum, recently fled an abusive home.

She said on Facebook: "He has been incredibly brave and I am so very proud of him. You stole one of the few things he has.

"I have very little money, so cannot replace it. I have no idea how I am going to break this to him. Your small crime is a rather a big deal."

But her post prompted an outpouring of sympathy and offers of help. One woman, Claire Robins, said he would go to Argos to buy a replacement, while several others also vowed to chip in.

The mum said she was "truly overwhelmed" by the response.

It is not the only theft reported in recent days - a White Audi Q7 was stolen from outside its owners house, click here for full details.