THIEVES stole and torched a much-loved family campervan in York.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the red and white Bedford Rascal being driven around or parked up before it was found burnt out at 5am on Sunday.

It was taken from a home in Clifton and found abandoned and destroyed off Water End, near the Clifton Hotel.

PC Nick Garbutt said: "The vehicle was set on fire around a mile from where it was stolen, but this was at least seven and a half hours after it was taken. It has therefore been either driving around or parked somewhere for quite some time before it was set on fire.

“Given that the vehicle is so distinctive, I would like to appeal for anyone who may have seen this vehicle and anybody either in or around the vehicle between 9am on Saturday 9 August and 5am on Sunday morning, to please get in touch.

“The owners are particularly upset as they have had this vehicle for more than ten years and it holds many happy, holiday memories for them.”

Anyone who can help is asked to phone police on 101 or email nick.garbutt@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference 12140134626.