A woman has spoken of how her holiday has been ruined after her caravan was stolen.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, is waiting for a heart transplant and is therefore unable to fly on planes.

So she bought a caravan for her, her partner and her two children, with plans on visiting Wales this year.

The family, who live in Wickford, left their caravan at Brock Hill Farm caravan site, in Brock Hill, Runwell, where it was securely locked in by a metal gate.

However, thieves managed to tow the caravan away after drilling through the locks.

In despair, the family are appealing for help to find their caravan.

The woman said: “Our caravan was stationed in Brock Hill Farm but unfortunately it was stolen.

“They took out the fences guarding the caravan site and used a power tool to take the locks off the caravan.

“It’s such a shame, I am really sad about this.

“We bought the caravan only six months ago.

“I am not well; I am waiting for a heart transplant and, as a result, I can’t fly.

“We bought this caravan because we couldn’t go abroad for a family holiday.

“It’s upsetting for my partner and I but we are more upset for the kids.

“We had planned to go to Wales but it’s a shame that we can’t now because of this.

“We worked really hard for what we have got and it has just been taken away from us.”

The incident, which happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning, has been reported to the police.

The Brock Hill Farm caravan site is locked by a metal gate which prevents vehicles going in and out of the forecourt.

But it is believed that the fence was broken open and the alleged thieves entered the forecourt and and took the caravan which they open with a caravan.

So far, no arrests have been made.

If anybody believed they witnessed this crime or has any information that could help, they should call the police on 101.

Alternatively call crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.