A "unique" historic red tractor, one of only four in the UK, has been stolen in a "targeted attack" in West Sussex.
The owner of the tractor, restaurateur Andy Sparsis, said the tractor is "valuable" to him.
Mr Sparsis bought it in France and spent a year restoring it. It is only one of four that is in the UK, and was built in the 1950s.
Mr Sparsis, the founder of Proto Restaurants which owns Worthing eateries The Fish Factory, The Fat Greek Taverna and Food, kept the tractor stored at a warehouse in Newland Street.
It was subsequently broken into at some point between about midday on Monday (October 9) and 8am on Tuesday.
A number of goods were stolen totalling around £20,000 – but it is the loss of the tractor that has upset him the most.
Mr Sparsis told The Worthing Herald: “It’s quite well known in the town. It’s got a real backstory, it’s quite unique.”
The heavy tractor had been ‘well secured’ and bolted to the ground with several padlocks, so
the thieves must have been equipped with tools.
Any witnesses, or anyone who is offered any of the items for sale, has been urged to contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference number 955 10/10.
