Football fan's charity cycle halted by bike theft

A Luton Town fan raising money for mental health charities by cycling to every away match this season has been left devastated after his bicycle was stolen.

Mark Crowther was travelling through Northampton on Monday on his way to Huddersfield for Tuesday evening's match when he stopped at a Starbucks, on Harborough Road.

He said he briefly went to the toilet when his bike, complete with a Luton orange stripe, was taken - forcing him to abandon the challenge.

In a post on X, Luton Town said it was "proud" of Crowther's efforts, adding: "We'll make sure you get to Huddersfield."

The Hatters supporter, from Milton Keynes, had hoped to cycle 70 miles (112km) to Leicester on Monday and a further 100 miles (160km) on Tuesday for the League One clash in West Yorkshire.

He told Andy Collins at BBC Three Counties Radio that he was "absolutely gutted" by what had happened.

"I left the bike for about a minute, went to the toilet, and when I came back it was stolen," he said.

"It's heart-breaking. I do this to follow my passion and go and see Luton away, and to raise awareness for mental health. It's awful."

But since the theft, Crowther, 60, said he had been "blown away" by the support from the club and its followers, who shared their sympathy with him.

"Everyone has been so kind," he said.

Northamptonshire Police said it received a report of a bicycle theft shortly before 14:30 GMT on Monday. It has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

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