A COMMONWEALTH Games hopeful was left stunned after his bike was stolen.

Tom Chandler was travelling on the 2.45pm train from Reading on January 16.

The 19-year-old left his bike in the storage area on the train, but saw a man with the bicycle on the platform as the train was leaving Banbury.

Transport officers have launched an appeal and released CCTV images in connection with the theft.

Mr Chandler, who lives in Melton Mowbray, said: “This is the bike I use for competitions and for training and so I sorely want it back.

"Cycling is my life.

Reading Chronicle:

“If you know where it might be, or if you recognise the man in the image, please please get in touch.”

Chandler, who broke the Scottish 4km record and won the Scottish 1km championship, is hoping to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Games.

Trials are due to take place in Manchester in the coming weeks.

A spokesman for British Transport Police added: "Officers are appealing for information after a bike was stolen from a young cyclist training for the Commonwealth Games.

"We would like to speak to the man in the image, as they believe he may have information which could help the investigation."

Reading Chronicle:

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 with reference 1800003493.