The family of an elderly Norfolk man have appealed for information after his beloved classic motorbike was stolen by burglars.

The rare 1962 250cc Greeves motorcycle, which he had owned for many years, was stolen in Old Buckenham sometime between June 18 and when it was discovered missing on June 21.

Greeves, a British manufacturer founded by Bert Greeves in 1951 and that produced road motorcycles, as well as trials and racing bikes, are highly collectable and the family believe it may have been targeted by thieves.

They have launched an appeal to enthusiasts and classic motorcycle groups in the hope of recovering it.

The elderly owner, who prefers not to indentified, has lived in Old Buckeham since 1980 had kept the bike in a secluded garage not visible from the road.

His daughter said: "Very few people knew it was there but a few people had offered to buy it. Our feeling, because of what was taken and how it was broken into, is that it was targeted. They knew what they were after and that it was in a secluded spot.

"He was proud he had this bike. He has had it for quite a while with the intention to restore it but he had accepted he probably wouldn't be able to restore it himself now.

"So he thought he'd wait until he could get a good price for it because they are so many collectors and because it as it was a whole bike it would be of interest to enthusiasts."

She said her father had a long standing interest in all things mechanical. "He did his national service in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and he had his own garage in Old Cosessey many years ago. And as a young man he built a racing car from stratch with a friend that he raced."

The family, including the man's grandson, has launched an appeal on social media for information in the hope of recovering the motorcycle.

She added: "The Greeves Riders Association is aware, people from the T.T. Riders Association have also picked up on it and it has been shared. We are hoping that someone will have information because it cost too much to insure."

Anyone with information about the theft can contact Norfolk Police on 101, quoting crime number 36/42315/19.

Alternatively, you can report anonomously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org