Thieves foil round the world trip

Just one day and a handful of miles from completing their round the world ride for charity, a couple from Australia have had their bike stolen by thieves.

Ralph Dixon and Fionnuala Livingston had racked up almost 18,750 miles on their BMW F650GS through some of the world’s hottest troublespots without serious incident, collecting donations and presents in aid of multiple sclerosis sufferers.

They were riding through Wales to attend a special ceremony in North London when they stopped at the Maggor services for a break.

When they emerged the bike, and all their luggage, was gone and they were forced to complete the final leg of their journey by train.

Seargant Ceri Lloyd of Gwent Police said: " They’ve travelled through 25 countries, including India, Pakistan, north Africa and even Iraq. It’s just so ironic that they then have their bike stolen in Wales. "