Police have condemned a thief who stole a vulnerable 89-year-old's vital walking frame.

Detective Inspector Susie Harper, who is investigating the case, said it was a "despicable" act.

Pensioner Kevin O'Daly's black frame was stolen from outside his Newington home yesterday.

Mr O'Daly had left it outside his front door in Playstool Road while he got ready to go out shopping.

But when Mr O'Daly left with his 90-year-old partner Vi Oram the walking frame had vanished.

DI Harper said: "I find this a despicable crime that's been committed against a vulnerable member of our society, whether it was done as a joke or for financial gain.

"I would appeal to the thief's conscience and ask them to return the walking frame to Mr O'Daly or to Sittingbourne Police Station.

"How they would feel if this had happened to their grandparent?"

Mr O'Daly has osteoarthritis and relies on the frame to help him walk when he has heavy shopping to carry.

He estimates it will cost him about £150 to replace.

Mr O'Daly said: "Although I'm not entirely dependent on the walking frame I do need it for shopping.

"It does seem a mean kind of theft."

Police said the walking frame was stolen some time between 8.45am and 9.05am and there is every chance the thief was seen taking it away from Mr O'Daly's home.

"Because it is an unusual item it also might be hard to sell on, so we ask anyone who is offered a walking frame for sale to contact us.

"We would like to be able to reunite Mr O'Daly with his frame," said DI Harper.

Anyone with information should contact Sittingbourne Police Station on 01795 419 182 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.