A disabled man who is now housebound after his wheelchair was stolen from outside his girlfriend’s home has been targeted by internet trolls over the incident.

The victim, who did not want to be named, suffers from fybromyalgia - a long-term condition which causes extreme pain all over the body - and is undergoing tests for multiple sclerosis.

He was at his girlfriend’s home in the Bedwell area of Stevenage when his wheelchair, which is his lifeline to the outside world, was stolen last Wednesday.

He said: “I left the chair outside her house for a short while whilst I was being helped inside. She came back out and found it gone.

“I’m being tested for MS and I also have fybromylgia that makes walking, and just generally moving, very painful. I also suffer with whole body spasms that are painful.

“The only way I can get out of the house is by wheelchair. I have to use a walking stick to go around the house and I’m unable to do simple things like washing and cooking without help.

“Without a wheelchair I am housebound.”

The disabled man took to Facebook to vent his frustration at what had happened, explaining: “It’s even more difficult to have a semi-normal life now.”

Instead of prompting compassion, his post led to a tirade of comments mocking his plight.

One woman wrote: “Did you have the brakes on? It might have stolen itself.”

A man added: “I will bring it back once my cramp has gone.”

Another man appeared to be blaming the victim for the theft, saying: “May I ask why it was left outside to begin with?”

There is even a suggestion made that the victim is impotent, with a man saying: “I find it difficult to get a semi too.”

Community group Give Back To Stevenage is raising funds to replace the wheelchair. If you can help, visit their Facebook page or call 07539 179991.