TT legend's treasured leathers stolen from display

McGuinness said he was "so happy" the "sentimental" leathers had been returned

Treasured leathers worn by TT legend John McGuinness were stolen before turning up abandoned at a nearby bus stop.

The 23-time winner's leathers, which he wore in his last TT victory in 2015, had been on display at The Street Diner in the TT Fan Zone when they were snatched on Monday.

After social media appeals by both the McGuinness family and police, the leathers were found just after midnight.

No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

'So sentimental'

The third most successful racer in TT history behind only Joey and Michael Dulop, McGuinness wore the red Honda Racing leathers during the 2015 Senior TT.

The Morecambe Missile said he was left "devastated" by the theft but thanked people for their help in finding them.

Insp Paul Kemp confirmed they were found by a member of the public in a bus stop on Victoria Road in Douglas, near the Governor's Dip part of the course.

He said: "The investigation is ongoing so we are looking for anyone who can tell us anything.

"I would imagine, despite the time of day, anybody with a set of large leathers over their shoulder is going to be quite distinctive."

McGuinness later posted on Instagram to say he was "so happy" to be reunited with his leathers, adding they were "so sentimental to me".

He also thanked the island's police, the public and caterers at The Street Diner for "pulling out all the stops" to help.

On the course, McGuinness held off Jamie Coward to score a sixth placed finish in Sunday's Superbike race, his 110th TT start.