Thieves added to the heartbreak suffered by a couple from Thorney whose house and business was ravaged by fire by stealing their caravan.

Cambs Times: A 2007 Bessacarr Cameo caravan, similar to the one that was stolen from outside the burnt-out home of Melvin and Susan Dolby.A 2007 Bessacarr Cameo caravan, similar to the one that was stolen from outside the burnt-out home of Melvin and Susan Dolby. (Image: Archant)

Melvin and Susan Dolby’s home and classic car business on Wayside at The Causeway was engulfed in flames on Monday night – causing an estimated £500,000 worth of damage - with fire crews only able to save the couple’s caravan from the blaze.

However, Mr and Mrs Dolby’s daughter, Tracey Clark, discovered that their caravan had been stolen after returning to their home after visiting Mr Dolby in hospital.

She said: “All they had left was their caravan. My Dad suffered a heart attack and is still in hospital and we were visiting tonight (Thursday 11).

“When we returned to my parents’ burnt-out property to check on their ponies, we realised that the caravan had been stolen.”

A police spokesman said: “The caravan was stolen between 6pm and 8pm. The suspects cut a padlock off the double gates of the driveway and forced the hitch lock off the caravan and towed it away.”

Mrs Clark also believes that the thieves attempted to steal her parents’ three Shetland ponies, after they were found outside their paddock and wandering along the A47.

As well as appealing for information on the whereabouts of the caravan, which is a 2007 twin-axle Bessacarr Cameo model, police are also looking for two Transit vans, one white and one blue, which were seen in the area at the time of the theft.

If you have any information on the theft, please contact Cambridgeshire police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.