A YOUNG agoraphobia sufferer has made an impassioned plea for the return of the moped which acts as her lifeline to the outside world.

The blue Honda City was stolen from the rear of 28-year-old Carol Leyland's Dijon Avenue home in Acomb, York.

Mother-of-two Carol has relied on the blue Honda City for two years while recovering from her chronic fear of open spaces.

Carol, 28, has suffered from the phobia for almost a decade, ever since the birth of her first child, but has recently been able to cope with her condition thanks to the freedom of having her own transport.

"I had become a little bit better, it is always easier to cope when you're under your own steam and not relying on other people," she said.

"I don't get out often anyway because I'm a single parent, but the moped was a big help when I did."

Carol, who has just started an archaeology course, believes the thieves would not have taken the bike if they had realised the consequences of their crimes.

She added: "For them it's just a bit of fun, riding around. But they should see the anxiety they left behind. They should be made to face the person they have taken from."

If anyone has any information about the moped, registration E467VWU, they should call York Police on 01904 631321.

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