THEY are prisoners in their own home.

That is the reality for a Second World War merchant seaman and his wife after burglars stole their mobility scooter from outside their Southampton home.

Fred and Mary Baker found the motorised vehicle had disappeared from the communal hallway in their block of flats in Orpen Road, Sholing Mrs Baker, 87, who was preparing to use it for a shopping trip at 8.45am on Saturday, said: “I went into the hallway and thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s gone’.

“It’s disgusting. We are like prisoners in our own home and are stuck indoors on one of the warmest days of the year.”

Fred, 92, who worked on ocean liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth for more than 40 years, said: “I thought she must have been joking but then saw it had gone.

“It’s going to be difficult to get another one – I just can’t understand why someone would do it.”

The great-grandparents saved up to buy the £200 red and burgundy Victory scooter just two months ago when Mr Baker’s angina and Mrs Baker’s osteoporosis got so bad they could barely walk.

They have a walking frame but the shops are so far away they are having to rely on family and neighbours to bring them supplies just a week before their 70th wedding anniversary.

It is believed the thieves got in through the building’s main door.

Mrs Baker added: “Whoever has done it, I hope their grandparents don’t have to go through such a horrible experience.”

Neighbour Michael Walker, 72, found parts of the scooter’s speedometer and ignition and horn compartments in an alleyway close to Butts Road.

He said: “It’s absolutely despicable.”

PC Rachel Gallimore, of Bitterne Police Station, said she wants to trace a group of youths seen playing on a scooter in the Sholing Valley area.

The Bakers’ scooter had a basket on the front and a scratch on the front bumper.

Anyone who knows its whereabouts should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.