Ref. 28179-37An Evening Advertiser paperboy was left distraught when a driver mangled his bicycle by reversing over it.

Fourteen-year-old David Szynalski, of Mulcaster Avenue in Grange Park, left his BMX at the end of a driveway in Simnel Close while he delivered a paper last week.

"I saw a man get out of the car so I put my bike down and went to the letter box," he said.

"But the next time I looked he was reversing quickly and he drove over it with his back wheels."

Although the frame and handle bars had been twisted badly out of shape, David said the driver showed little sympathy.

"He said to me: 'It looks like you're walking, mate'.

"I didn't know what to think," David continued.

"I picked up the bike and moved it out of the way and he drove off.

"I was upset and I didn't like it at all. I've never had a problem with traffic before."

The £250 bike, a present from his dad, was left with buckled wheels, a shredded saddle, wrecked pedals and grips and smashed lights.

He wheeled the bike back to his house on the back wheel, and its frame had to be bent back into shape.

The Bradon Forest pupil, who has been delivering the Advertiser for a year, said that his bike was essential to doing his paper round.

On foot it took him twice as long to complete the round, he said.

David's mum, Sharon Tombs, added: "David was distraught but the police were helpful and sympathetic."

Since the incident an anonymous donor has agreed to replace David's bike.