A FAMILY who rely on their car to take their seven-year-old son to regular hospital appointments say they are devastated after the vehicle was stolen from their driveway.

Parents-of-three Scott Briscoe and Jenny Martin had not even had their white Ford Kuga 16 months when it was swiped from their property in the early hours of the morning.

Ms Martin, aged 37, said the couple used the car to take their son Jacob Briscoe to and from appointments at Fairfield General Hospital, where he sees occupational health therapists, and the Living Well Centre in Bury.

Radcliffe Primary School pupil Jacob has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affect his speech and learning, and mean he requires supervision.

The couple, of Kensington Avenue, Radcliffe, have shared a photo of the vehicle in the hope that someone comes forward with information about its whereabouts.

Ms Martin, who is a teaching assistant, said: "Jacob needs routine. It has really unsettled him knowing the car has gone. He can have outbursts and it takes him a long time to calm down.

"We hadn't even had the car for 16 months. We were devastated.

"We have seen CCTV of people walking down the street trying car doors.

"We saw it happen and there is nothing you can do. It is so frustrating.

"Scott was unable to go into work for two days and lost out on pay.

"Luckily we have a fantastic family who have stepped in to help us. Scott's work have been fantastic too — they have kindly arranged for him to have a van."

HGV driver Mr Briscoe, aged 42, had woken up at 4am on Monday, May 21 to go to work. Partner of 21 years Ms Martin was lying awake in bed when she heard a car speeding off their driveway.

She rushed to the window just in time to see the Ford being driven off down the street.

Ms Martin said: "Scott was running out of the house shouting that the car had just been taken.

"We work very hard and need the car for regular hospital appointments for our son who has special complex needs. These people do not care about the impact it has on those they steal from."

The family said police were investigating the theft.