A BRAZEN thief who stole a motorbike from outside a house in Orford left the owner in shock when he spotted him shamelessly riding the stolen bike near his home.

Chris Lowe couldn't believe what he had witnessed when he saw the man, who wasn't wearing a helmet, riding the orange Kymco CK1 bike near the Cockhedge roundabout on Saturday.

The bike had been stolen earlier that evening from Chris' house on Scott Street between 9.30pm and 10.30pm.

The 20-year-old had used a steering lock to secure the motorbike after returning home from volunteering with the fire service as a cadet leader.

He said: "I got back and I had an hour until work so I used a steering lock and went inside but when I came outside the bike had gone.

"I went out to look for it and that's when I saw him.

"He was speeding round without a helmet on."

Chris has issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Police have confirmed that the force has been alerted to the left and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police 101 citing crime reference number IML 231233.