A MOTORCROSS racer is devastated after two of his competition bikes were stolen.

The bikes are worth more than £15,000 and now owner Wayne Holder says he cannot race at the British Masters Championships in a fortnight.

The 34-year-old from Wootton Bassett, who recently won the North Wiltshire Club Championships, says the bikes are not insured but desperately hopes they will be returned soon.

The two orange and black KTM 250 SXF bikes were taken from outside his home in Saffron Close on Sunday evening.

One has gold and black wheels, while the other is plain black.

Both bikes were stolen from his van after thieves broke the iron chains securing it and cut open the doors.

"I am gutted," said Wayne.

"No one heard anything when they were taken in the early hours of the morning.

"It's quite demoralising to think this has happened.

"I haven't got a clue why someone would do this.

"They are just a year old and I race them all over the country every Sunday.

"I have not just lost the bikes - I'm losing out on racing as well as I've already paid nearly £700 up front.

"It makes me sick to think someone could be riding round in a field somewhere on competition bikes.

"I just want them returned so I can continue racing.

"I hope they turn up soon."

Wayne has offered a reward for information leading to the safe return of the bikes.

The Wootton Bassett service station worker said any information should be passed onto him or the police.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000 or Wayne on 07774 651270.

The crime reference number is 54080011884.