A mum and son are 'gutted' after the boy's go-kart was stolen two days after his birthday.

Since Christmas Riley Manning has been asking for a pedal powered go-kart.

The resident of Westdown Road in Leyton was overjoyed when his wishes were granted and mum Kayleigh gifted him a little red motor on Monday.

After two days of playing in the unseasonable sunshine in a nearby park Riley's birthday delight was brought to a swift end.

Miss Manning said: "I was outside gardening and Riley was playing on his go-kart this morning at about 10am.

"He left it just next to the gate and came in for some breakfast. When I was finished I went back outside to continue sweeping.

"I noticed a man in a white van. I thought he was delivering a parcel. I went back in to drink some coffee and then I came back out.

"Then my son said 'where's my go-kart?'"

After reporting the incident to the police the 30-year-old asked her neighbours to check their CCTV.

Riley also help the search by drawing a picture of his go-kart.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Miss Manning, who is convinced the go-kart was carried away rather than noisily wheeled, added: "He doesn't understand that someone could take it.

"He was asking for it for a while. I only work a few hours a week so it took me a while to save up for it. It cost £148. I have been saving for quite a few months.

"It is really gutting. I worked really hard for that."