Thieves steal Philip Hindes's training bike after break-in

Police in Greater Manchester are appealing for information after thieves broke in to the house of British track sprinter Philip Hindes and stole his Pinarello Paris training bike.

Hindes, who won gold in the team sprint in London with Sir Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny, was visiting his family in Germany at the time while his housemate, BMXer Liam Phillips was on holiday in Spain.

Phillips's Volkswagen Golf was also stolen from outside the property in West Didsbury and later found burnt out.

An unknown weapon was used to smash through the patio doors and the home, which was unoccupied at the time, was ransacked.

Detective Constable Rob Southern, of West Didsbury CID, said: "The reason we have publicised this theft is so that we can catch the people responsible and return the bike to its rightful owner.

"I would therefore ask anyone who is offered a bike matching this description and the image we have released to call police immediately. It might be the thieves try and offload the bike onto a sports memorabilia collector so I would urge anyone who is offered the chance to buy such a bike to call police immediately as you could be vital to helping get this bike back.

"I would also ask anyone who has information about the burglary itself, or who might have been involved, to come forward.

"The stolen car was found burnt out on Princess Parkway so again if you saw anything then we need to hear from you."

Track riders have Pinarello road bikes for training on, all of which are provided as part of the cross Sky / BC deal with the Italian firm. All track bikes are kept at Manchester velodrome.