BUSINESSES have banded together to replace a nine-year-old boy’s stolen bike.

Liam Richardson, of Deanery Gardens, saved up £250 in birthday money to buy a bike, but he was heartbroken when he woke up to find thieves had stolen it overnight.

After reading about Liam’s story in the Times, members of Witham Chamber of Commerce decided they would chip in to buy him a replacement.

Chairman Tina Townsend said: “I know the family well and how it has affected young Liam.

“He loved his bike and due to his autism he couldn’t understand why someone had taken it away. This has really upset him as he had saved his money to buy it.

“We became aware that his family couldn’t afford to replace it in the short term so I asked the chamber members if they could help and five businesses stepped forward.

“The businesses raised more than £300 and presented Liam with a new Python 70s BMX, four sets of bike locks and helmets for each of his siblings – Yasmin, Lucas and Kian, along with a £25 Argos voucher.

Liam’s mum Daisy Chapman said: “I can’t believe the kindness and generosity and what they have done for us.”