A DOZEN pieces of mail - including an insurance payout of £3,000 - were found dumped in a city pathway after an opportunist thief stole a postie's bike.

The part-time postman had his bike, and letters for almost an entire round, stolen soon after he left Bitterne sorting office.

A day later, the bike was found dumped in a pathway near Swanage Close, Peartree, with the bag of post.

Police retrieved the bike and letters - but hours later pensioner Maureen French, pictured left, found more mail scattered along the secluded footpath.

"There's bills, a birthday card and even a cheque for £3,000 for someone's insurance payout," said the 66-year-old, who lives in nearby Mullen Close.

"There are about 12 items of mail and a lot of it is soaking wet. I found it scattered along the grass.''

The post, destined for Maldon Road, Bitterne, was eventually collected by Royal Mail staff.

Now bosses are urging people who think their post is missing to get in touch.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The bike was stolen in the Bitterne area while the postman was delivering.

"He immediately reported it to us and the police.

"Police recovered some mail and brought it back to us, and that's now being re-delivered. We would encourage people who still think they have post missing to use the helpline.

"Equally, if anyone has information about who stole this bike and post, please get in touch."

For news about missing post, call 08457 740740.

Anyone with information about the bike theft, which happened last Saturday, should call Bitterne police on 0845 045 4545.