AN OAKDALE family were "mortified" when a speedboat they bought this summer was stolen from outside their home.

Nigel Gwatkin, 42, bought the £700 boat six weeks ago so the family could go on day trips together, and him and his 12-year-old son Mitch, were working on the engine together.

They had been out in Cardiff bay in the red and white Fletcher Arrow Sprint and were planning a trip to the Isle of Wight.

On the morning of September 23, thieves took the speedboat, which was in the family's driveway on a trailer.

He said: "It was something we always wanted to do for family bonding and fun days out. I also thought it would be interesting for my boy, my lad put a lot of effort in and he was absolutely heartbroken when it was stolen."

Both Mr Gwatkin and his wife Melanie, 38, of Vancouver Drive, were out when the theft took place, and were told by a neighbour who saw the speedboat being driven away and phoned them and contacted the police.

Mr Gwatkin, who also has a daughter Ruby, aged nine, added: "My family were absolutely gutted, it was for good quality time together as a family ruined by some idiot who has come along and stolen it."

A police spokeswoman said two men driving a black estate car were seen taking the boat. Anyone with information about the theft can call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.