A RISING young motocross star's future is in jeopardy after thieves stole his prized bike from his family's Hampshire home.

Ten-year-old Kieran Whitlock's newly modified motocross bike was stolen from a locked garage in Cedric Close, Blackfield, as his family slept upstairs.

Now his 34-year-old dad, Paul, is offering a reward for its return so his son can continue to pursue his career on the tracks.

He said: "I started Kieran motocross racing when he was six after I saw a friend doing it and he absolutely loves it.

Expensive' "We have spent thousands over the years on Kieran's motocross as it is really expensive - but he is doing well.

"He finished fourth in the championship at the end of the last season and we were hoping he would do even better this season, which starts next month.

He added: "Whoever took the bike knew exactly what they were looking for because my road bike was also in the garage and they didn't touch that or my expensive tools."

Kieran, who has four brothers and sisters and another two on the way, received hundreds of pounds worth of new motocross racing gear for Christmas including boots and leathers.

Appealing for help Paul said: "His new bike looks nothing like the picture now. I made a lot of changes to it which are not standard so I am hoping people will be able to recognise it."

Kieran's new bike has got a black frame with a black swinging arm, which is not standard, as it is usually silver.

The normally orange-coloured petrol tank, panels and mudguards are black and the bike has black Talon wheels which are usually silver.

The stolen bike has also got wavy brake discs, has 06 factory graphics in black with the letters KTM in orange and is fitted with Renthal fat bars which are also not standard.

Devastated' Paul added: "Kieran is absolutely devastated and this has really hit him hard.

"He is a good lad and didn't deserve this to happen to him."

The motorbike was not insured because companies are unlikely to pay out due to the nature of the hobby, so Paul and his 28-year-old wife Carla are now faced with replacing the bike.

As well as offering a reward for the return of the bike, Paul is hoping local companies or businesses will help get Kieran back on the track.

Anyone with any information about Kieran's bike should call WPC Wright on 0845 045 4545.

If anyone would like to contribute towards Kieran's new bike they can call Paul on 07776 466329.