WAR VETERAN Leslie Potter who lost his hand and his foot is today at the mercy of thieves who have stolen his only means of independence.The 87-year-old who served in the Royal Navy on Atlantic Convoys relied on a mobility scooter to be able to get out and about.

WAR VETERAN Leslie Potter who lost his hand and his foot is today at the mercy of thieves who have stolen his only means of independence.

The 87-year-old who served in the Royal Navy on Atlantic Convoys relied on a mobility scooter to be able to get out and about.

But thieves climbed into his Chantry garden and stole the scooter meaning he is now unable to go anywhere without help.

His furious daughter Pat Allington said she was disgusted with those responsible and has urged anyone with information about the scooter's whereabouts to contact police.

The 64-year-old said: “It is just cruel. Who knows why they took it but they took the charger as well so they have got the whole kit.

“I feel contempt and disgust towards the person that did this. Whoever takes something like this knows the person who owns it needs it

“It cost £775 and it isn't insured so it can't be replaced easily.

“I dare say he could have got a scooter through the Royal British Legion but he wanted to have one of his own.”

Mr Potter, who lives on Ipswich's Chantry estate, served in the Royal Navy on Atlantic Convoys during the Second World War.

He lost his hand and foot in an accident on a merchant ship in 1952 but despite being disabled, he continued to work until he reached retirement age and was an employee of Customs and Excise.

Mrs Allington added: “He used to go up and down ladders and it wasn't until he was in his late 70s that he became disabled and didn't have the strength he once had.

“He goes up to the shops and round the block on his scooter just to get out of the house.”

Mrs Allington believes someone climbed into her parents' garden while they were out last Friday. It was discovered missing on Monday morning.

Her father said he was planning to charge the scooter this week so it could be used in the warmer weather.

Anyone who witnessed the theft, or anyone who may have been offered the vehicle, should call Ipswich police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

What do you think of the people who stole the scooter? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.