POLICE APPEALED for information last night after a teenage boy had his valuable bike stolen by an opportunist thief.

The 15-year-old had been cycling in Douglas at about 6.30pm on Monday when he took a tumble after braking too sharply on the approach to the Balerno Street and Ballindean Road junction.

As he lay on the ground, a second male cyclist rode up and jumped off his own inferior Magnum bike.

He grabbed the youth’s silver and grey Specialized FSR mountain bike, which is worth £1600, and hopped on before pedalling off.

The thief made his escape along Balerno Street before turning left into Balbeggie Street in the direction of Balunie Avenue.

The culprit is described as being 5ft 11, of slim build and was wearing a tammy, black hooded top and Adidas tracksuit bottoms and a pair of white trainers.