Afghanistan amputee burgled at home in Leeds

Wheelchair-bound Lee Midgley, 22, says he has been left devastated after thousands of pounds wotyh of electrical items were taken from the house in New Farnley that he shares with his fiancee.

The burglars also took items of sentimental value, including his engagement ring and a laptop filled with photos of his time in Afghanistan.

A video camera containing footage of the moment he proposed to fiancee Kerri Sitlinton, 21, earlier this year was also stolen.

Guardsman Midgley, who was hit by an anti-tank mine blast when his Coldstream Guards unit came under attack in December 2009, said: “I am heartbroken, it’s hard to put into words.

“This was a place where I felt safe – now all that has gone. Everything was turned upside down. They went through drawers, cupboards, the lot.

“I don’t know if we’re going to want to stay living here now.”

The burglars struck on Monday, while Gdsm Midgley and Kerri were out. Items taken included a 42-inch Samsung television, Panasonic DVD player and Xbox games console.

A witness reported seeing a blue Seat Ibiza car in Maple Croft around the time of the break-in. Inside were three men and the driver was said to have a beard.

Det Insp John Dexter of West Yorkshire Police said: “Lee has clearly already had to deal with a great deal of trauma in his life and this burglary only adds to that unnecessarily.

“We want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, particularly anyone who saw the blue Seat Ibiza that may have been involved.

“I also want to make a direct appeal to the criminal fraternity as I feel even they will be disgusted by this incident once they know who the victim is.

“I would urge anyone who knows who was involved in this crime or who knows the whereabouts of the property taken to get in touch with us, even if it’s anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information can call 0845 606 0606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.