FRIENDS of a disabled Washford man have hit out at mindless yobs who torched his treasured moped for "a kick".

The man, who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, relied on his silver Honda Dylan 125 moped for his independence and mobility.

But thieves stole the moped from Willow Grove and set fire to it just 50 feet away in an apparently random attack on Saturday.

The man, who friends describe as "young and vulnerable", has been left distraught and unable to understand why his moped was destroyed, apparently for fun.

A friend, who asked not to be named to ensure the anonymity of the victim, appealed for someone with a similar moped to donate it to the disabled young person.

He told the Free Press: "Due to his condition he trusts everyone in society and has no understanding of how this kind of thing can happen in our world.

"I hope the culprits are happy with their night's five minutes of fun.

"For what it's worth I would appeal to them to check their consciences and contact the police and help us get this young man's life back.

"The moped was his most cherished and prized possession and has been an essential part of his life. Life is now even more isolating and daunting for him."

He said the moped was literally the man's lifeline as he was unable to cope with learning to ride another make or model of scooter.

"Unfortunately, without help, due to the minimalistic payouts for third party insurance and lack of funds himself, it looks like life will become even more of a misery for someone who asks for nothing of anyone in life," the friend said.

He appealed to anyone with a second-hand Honda Dylan 125 moped to consider donating it to the victim in an attempt to help him overcome the trauma of the weekend's incident.

"I hope someone can help us and him," he said.

Anyone who can help should call 07850 710232.