The hunt is on for two incredibly rare electric motorbikes stolen while their rider was having McDonald's.

Just before 1pm on Monday, May 28 well-known motocross rider Lyndon Poskitt left his Ford Transit van outside the fast food restaurant in Hastingwood, Epping.

When he returned 20 minutes later he discovered the van had been ransacked.

As well as two new Honda generators, tools, camera gear and a laptop, two specialist electric Alta motorbikes had been taken.

They are each worth a five-figure sum.

Mr Poskitt said: "They used a special device to unlock the van. It is my whole motorcycle collection.

"We are heading to a big motorcycle race in Austria. We are trying to acquire an extra bike.

"It was £40,000 to £50,000 worth of stuff. The bikes are useless to anyone else.

"They are bespoke racing bikes. No one knows who to set them up.

"I don't think they know what they have got. There is only two bikes like them in the country."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Katie Selby at Brentwood and Epping Community Policing Team on 101 quoting crime reference 42/74549/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.