A disabled boy’s wheelchair was stolen from outside his aunt’s Watford house as he waited for a bus to take him to college.

Jack Benton, of Oaklands Avenue, in Oxhey Hall, was inside his aunt’s house, opposite his home, waiting for his lift to West Herts College on Tuesday morning.

The 17-year-old’s father dropped off his son’s wheelchair and rucksack outside the house at about 7.40am and between then and 8am the chair was stolen.

Jack’s mother, Sophie Benton, 39, said her son’s freedom has been taken from him, as he can’t walk any further than a few metres with his walking frame and desperately needs his chair to move around.

Ms Benton, an employee at Luton Airport, said: "I can’t believe it - it’s such a low thing to do. Taking someone’s transport like that is taking away their freedom - to take someone’s wheelchair is no different to taking a blind person’s dog.

"Jack’s really upset and he was just so worried that he wouldn’t be able to get to college."

Jack is afflicted with Moebius Syndrome - a rare neurological condition that affects muscle control and movement.

Jack, who used to be a pupil at St Meryl School, in Carpenders Park, and Bushey Meads School, in Bushey, is currently studying lifeskills and sports at college.

His favourite sports are wheelchair basketball and boccia - a precision ball sport, similar to bowls. Without his wheelchair he is unable to take part in these games.

Furthermore, last Friday, Jack’s mobility scooter broke down, so without his wheelchair he has to rely solely on his walking frame, which he cannot use for more than a few metres.

Hi aunt, Louisa Rowe, said: "It’s absolutely disgusting. We go through this routine every morning. His packed lunch was in his rucksack which was sitting on his chair ready for him to go to college.

"This whole thing has been so upsetting for him."

Hairdresser, Ms Rowe, 43, said she thinks Jack’s wheelchair was taken to be used as scrap metal.

A couple of weeks ago, Ms Benton, a Luton Airport employee, said a similar incident almost happened to Jack’s walking frame.

She said: "Someone came up our driveway two weeks ago when we were doing some renovation work. Jack’s walking frame was outside and they tried to walk off with it, claiming it could be used as scrap metal.

"I shouted out of my window at them, telling them to put it back. You think you live in a nice area but then things like these happen."

To make matters worse, Ms Benton’s car broke down on Wednesday, leaving the family with no transport.

She said: "We’re literally stuck now - we’ve got nothing."

The family, who only had the wheelchair for the past couple of months, are hoping they will be able to get a new wheelchair within the next week.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime reference number c3-13-543, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.