An Ironman athlete was left without a ride after four bikes were stolen from a shed burglary in north Dorset.

On Monday September 10, police received a report of a burglary of a shed at a property in the area of St Lawrence Crescent in Shaftesbury.

Police believe the padlock of the shed was forced sometime overnight.

Four bicycles - worth between £1,500 and £4,500 each - were stolen.

The bicycles include a black and green Specialized Stumpjumper, a black and white Cervelo road bike, a green Specialized Enduro and a white Frome hybrid.

The victim - a man aged in his 40s - was due to use one of the bikes during the Weymouth Ironman event on Sunday.

He has since been able to borrow a replacement.

Officers investigating the theft are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Rob Hammond, of Shaftesbury police, said: "I would appeal to anyone who has seen any of the bicycles for sale in suspicious circumstances to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would also remind residents to ensure their properties remain secure and to implement some basic crime prevention steps. This includes ensuring bicycles are tagged, that floor bolts and locks in garages are used and alarms and CCTV is installed."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.