A NINETY-six year old war hero has lost his independence following the theft of his mobility scooter.

Arthur Wade went out to charge his scooter at 5pm on November 15 only to discover it had been taken from outside his flat.

The retired army veteran, who was born and married in East Cowes, manned the East Cowes search-light during the Cowes blitz. There were 11 people on shift that night and only four alive by the time it finished.

He retired after working as an operating department practitioner at Ryde hospital and has lived in his flat on George Street, Ryde, for more than 30 years.

His daughter, Linda Hodgson, said her father used the scooter to go out on his own - using the basket on the front for shopping and to visit the seaside in the summer.

She said: "He cannot go out without the scooter unless we take him - they have totally taken away his independence.

"He didn't use it every day, but he used it when no one was available to take him out.

"He feels so angry about it, but he has resigned himself to it being gone."

Arthur, who has 20 grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren, was a key holder at his local baptist church until a few years ago.

Despite the theft, he is still able to walk to church, although circulation problems mean he can only walk short distances at a time and needs to be accompanied at all times.

Police confirmed the scooter, a maroon colour with Haverstock on the rear of the seat and supplied by the Royal British Legion, was taken at some point between midday on November 14 and 5pm on November 15.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101, quoting 44170444837.