Dorchester youngster Aaron Ring was left heartbroken after thieves walked off with his fishing equipment.

Keen angler Aaron, 12, was fishing with pals in Weymouth Harbour when thieves walked off with his rucksack containing all his tackle, leaving him with just one rod.

The quick-thinking youngster contacted police straight away following the theft on Wednesday, but officers were unable to trace the culprit.

Mum Donna said today: "He's really upset. He was fishing in Weymouth and everything has gone - all he was left with was his fishing rod, which he happened to have in his hand at the time. Luckily he had put his return ticket to Dorchester in his pocket."

Mrs Ring of London Road who has two other children Emily, 16, and Aiden, 10, said that Aaron had spent most of the summer holiday fishing with family and friends.

"He loves fishing. We have been taking him all over the place - West Bexington, down to Weymouth and he has been fishing in the River Frome over the last few weeks.

"It's been a real lifeline for him during the holiday and I have given him a bit of freedom by letting him go off on trips alone.

"Everything he needed was in the rucksack, which was also his schoolbag.

"Now he is just sitting at home wondering what to do with himself. The equipment wasn't expensive, but it's the principle of the matter. Who would want to steal from a 12-year-old boy?" said Mrs Ring.

She said the police praised Aaron for contacting them straight away.

"I just hope someone's conscience is pricked about what they have done. Because we are all really upset."

Anyone who may have witnessed the theft is urged to contact Dorset Police.