A TREE surgeon has been left devastated after his work equipment worth more than £20,000 was stolen by heartless thieves.
Chris Heywood, 24, from Bolton but based in Astley, had his van looted and stripped of equipment on Tuesday evening.
Chris has run his own business - Heywood Tree Services - since he was just 16-years-old, and has worked hard to build up his service.
The thieves stole his van, which was later recovered, along with a wood chipper, tools and other equipment. The total amount stolen adds up to around £22,000.
Chris was also duped into handing over thousands by the thieves who promised the return of the equipment - but never did