A YOUNG man with autism has asked thieves to return his beloved bike which he says has given him his independence and helped him make friends.

Jay Grant has been left heartbroken after the theft of his mountain bike from outside a social club for people with Asperger's Syndrome in Sansome Walk, Worcester which he had considered his safe haven.

People with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, can find social situations difficult and challenging and ASPIE, a social self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger's Syndrome, is there to make people with the condition feel welcome and accepted.

The 21-year-old of Margaret Road, St John's, left the Carrera Centos 13 locked up against the railings of ASPIE but when he walked home without it he returned to find it had been taken.

He said: "I'm autistic and dyspraxic, currently on gap year from university due to mental health sufferer of depression and anxiety.

"I rode my bike to ASPIE on Saturday (May 30). I locked it up on blue railings at about 1pm.

Unfortunately after ASPIE when I left about 5pm I forgot about bike and walked home.

"Before I went to bed last night I realised I left my bike locked up at ASPIE. I therefore went back to ASPIE at 2.11pm the following day and their was no sign of my bike.

I have been to the police and reported it."

He added: "I did use my bike quite a lot and used it when I was working. I'm hopefully going back to work later this month.

"I'm quite upset that people can be like that. I went straight to the police station in Castle Street. Me and my mum paid for the bike about a year ago. I was driving but I could not afford to carry on. I would like whoever took my bike to please give it back. It has affected my sense of independence."

He said because of what happened he now felt 'less safe' as ASPIE had always felt like a safe place for him.

The matter is being investigated by West Mercia Police and those with information can contact 101, quoting incident reference 0374-s-310515 or the crime number 22TA/36826C15.