A cyclist left seething after his bike was swiped from Herne Bay station got it back just days later – after spotting it for sale on eBay.

Andrew Livesey, 66, of Daytona Way, used the internet auction site to track down his stolen wheels after the £600 Saracen Zen 1 disappeared.

White forks on the bike had been painted black and new stickers had been slapped on it, but Andrew recognised it as his own - spotting a yellow valve cap he had recently fitted after he lost the original.

He took matters into his own hands, calling the seller to register his interest and arranging to meet him at his home in Margate.

The company director – who had offered a £200 reward for the return of the bike – travelled down to the Thanet coast with his son and a friend.

Andrew, pictured left, said: "We were working out the plan as we went down there.

"I knew it was mine when I saw it and you could even see the black paint in the man's flat.

"I said I was interested in buying the bike, but just wanted to have 10 minutes outside to think about it. That's when I phoned the police.

"Next thing I know there were three police cars down there and they arrested the bloke.

"I had to go to Margate police station and pick up my bike and now it's back home.

"There was a bit of damage where the locks were removed but it's going to be fine."

DS Leigh Marshall, of the British Transport Police, said a 26-year-old man from Margate was arrested and later released without charge.

He said: "Our enquiries continue. If you saw anything suspicious at the time or have been offered a bike matching the description for sale, please get in touch."

Investigators are now studying CCTV footage at Herne Bay station and are appealing for more information regarding the theft, last Thursday.

Mr Livesey, who has suffered two bike thefts previously, added: "I'm dead pleased to get the bike back and I want to say thanks to both Kent Police and the British Transport Police for their response."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting log 132 of 5/10/2012.