POLICE are investigating the theft of a van that included a much-needed special wheelchair.

The silver Mercedes Sprinter van was taken from an address in Martins Close, Stanford-le-Hope, shortly after 10.35pm on Monday, 18 December.

Inside the vehicle was a Strikeforce wheelchair which is a low-power chair with a metal bumper at the front which the victim needs.

A police statement says: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/224076/23.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.