Thomas the Tank Engine ride 'abducted' in Pitsea

Police are investigating the theft of a Thomas the Tank Engine-style ride from outside an Essex supermarket.

The children's ride had been outside the Tesco store in Hazelmere, Pitsea, before it disappeared on Wednesday.

PC Paul Hogben said: "Someone must have seen Thomas being 'abducted' and probably thought it was officially being removed. However, it was not."

Police have appealed for witnesses to the theft, which happened between 11:10 and 13:45 BST, to contact them.