Published: August 30, 2012
Thieves torch Burnham BMX biker's car and ransack his home

Burnham-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips has described a group of thieves who broke into his home and set fire to his car as 'vile creatures'.

Police in Manchester are investigating the break-in at the house of British track sprinter Philip Hindes, which he shares with Liam.

Liam, who took part in the Olympics earlier this month, was on holiday in Spain at the weekend when his Volkswagen Golf was stolen from outside the property in West Didsbury. The vehicle was later found burnt out.

In a post on Twitter, Liam said: "Such a fun weekend away with the boys only to return home and discover some vile creatures had 'fun' at my expense breaking into the house and stealing my car."

Police said an unknown weapon was used by the thieves to smash through the patio doors and gain entry to the home before ransacking it.

Philip Hindes, who won a gold medal at the Olympics, had his Pinarello Paris training bike stolen in the raid and police have appealed for its return.