THIEVES have struck twice in six weeks to deal a double blow to a young Hampshire motorbike racer.

Raiders have stolen two caravans which Chris and Sue Bray used to follow their son Daniel as he competed in races around the country.

Both vehicles were stolen from the driveway at the family's Horton Heath home.

The second - a 20ft Lunar-Quasar worth £13,000 - was taken just days after Chris and Sue had returned from watching Daniel in action in Scotland.

The thieves moved a car that was blocking in the caravan and removed wheel clamps which had been fitted to the caravan as a security measure.

They also escaped with a customised crash helmet - valued at £800 - and a pair of specialist racing gloves in the daylight raid.

They struck just days before closed circuit television cameras were due to be installed at the Brays' Cherry Drove property.

Thieves smashed the window of the Volvo, owned by Daniel's brother Joe, to move it out of the way, before wrenching off the wheel clamps.

Neighbours heard noises but thought it was Joe moving cars about as he is a keen banger racer. They claim they saw a black Volvo estate car drive off towing the caravan but police have been unable to trace the car.

The Brays' first caravan was stolen last bank holiday in the middle of the night.

Chris said: "We are absolutely devastated. We use the caravan all the time - it is not just for holidays. We used it last to watch Daniel compete at the Knockhill track in Scotland. I am just so shocked it could happen a second time."

Daniel - who featured in the Daily Echo last month for his success in the Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 series - said: "I can't believe it's happened a second time. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make my next few practice sessions."

The Brays are now looking for their third caravan in six weeks.

Primary Security Systems have agreed to install CCTV for them free of charge.