HARD-WORKING siblings were left distraught after heartless thieves stole their bicycles as they attended an after-school club.

Police are investigating the theft which took place at the railings of the Park Street car park, Weymouth.

Talented Josh Brunell, aged 16, and his sisters Jemma, 14 and Danielle, 11 came out of their WOW Youth Musical Theatre rehearsal to find the bikes had gone.

They had been chained to the railings with a friend’s bike, which was left untouched by the thieves.

It couldn’t have come at a worse time for Josh, who is in the middle of GCSE exams.

The Budmouth Technology College pupil said: “It’s really annoying.

“My bike is how I get around Weymouth. It means I can see my friends and go to after-school stuff.

“Now I can’t do any of that.

“I’ve been saving up to go on an expedition to India in two months and now I’ve got to find some way of finding money for a new bike as well.”

The children, who have been upset since losing their grandmother last month, must now save for new bikes.

Josh was given his as a 16th birthday present three months ago and the bikes had a combined value of more than £1,000.

The children’s mother, Nicky Brunell, said: “They had gone to their rehearsal together, put chains all round the bikes, through the wheels, around the rails.

“But when they came out the bikes were gone.

“One of the locks had been taken and my son found another in a bin.

“It’s a shame how a few heartless people can ruin it for everyone else.

“Those bikes were their little bit of independence. I just can’t put in to words how angry I am.

“You keep your head down, work hard and do what you can and this happens to you.

“They are brilliant children and they work hard and save up for everything they have. They didn’t deserve this.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We are investigating the theft of three children’s bicycles which took place between 6.30pm and 9pm from the car park in Park Street.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Mrs Brunell added that police are examining footage from a CCTV camera directly above the spot where the bikes were stolen.

She said: “It’s shocking that someone did this in broad daylight.

“All the children want are their bikes back.”

The stolen bikes were a white Cube with red decor, a black and gold Scott bike and a grey Rip Pulse.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.