TELEVISION star Ricky Tomlinson has been left “gutted” after thieves stole his £12,000 riverside caravan.
The 27-ft long six berth Hobby 635 belonging to the 72-year-old, who has links to Coedpoeth, was taken from its site on the banks of the River Dee in Farndon.
The actor was apparently using the caravan as a base to film wildlife for a TV documentary.
He told The Sun newspaper: “I can’t believe it happened. It must have been a well-organised gang because it is a big, six-berth caravan which was not on wheels.
“The caravan was down a country lane within a gated private meadow. They took the gate off its hinges and must have had a decent-sized vehicle to take it away.”
The theft was discovered and reported at the weekend, but the actor is not certain when it was stolen. Mr Tomlinson believes it may have been taken late at night on Wednesday or Thursday last week.
The caravan is mainly white with blue borders.
Mr Tomlinson added: “I have only had it for a couple of years. It is immaculate. The plastic covering was still on the seats.
“I am appealing for anyone who might have information to contact the police and hopefully I can get it back.”
It is the second time Mr Tomlinson has fallen prey to thieves. In 2009 thieves broke into his van while it was parked near Prices Lane, Rhosddu, and stole his sat nav as he helped his son redecorate his house.
Cheshire Police have launched an appeal for information. A spokesman said: “At 9.41am on Sunday, June 17, Cheshire Police were informed of the theft of a caravan from a meadow in Farndon, Chester.
“It was taken from the meadow some time between 11.30am on Wednesday, June 13 and 9am on Thursday, June 14.”
Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.