Leeds roofer devastated as work van stolen with 'livelihood' inside

Michael Taylor, 35, set up Trusst Roofing and Maintenance just a year ago after being made redundant from his job of 20 years.

He received no redundancy pay and worked long hours to build up his business, based in Wortley, to provide for his family.

But on Monday, Michael's van along with "90%" of his business was stolen from outside JD Gym near Morley, on the Millshaw Park Industrial Estate.

The theft is believed to have happened between 6.50pm and 7.30pm and an eyewitness saw suspects driving the van and its new plates out of the car park.

The father-of-four said: "I have worked 16-hour days, seven days a week to build what I had in that van.

"All our tools, ladders, all paperwork and invoice books - pretty much everything I've worked for in the last year was stolen.

"Our future was just looking good for first time ever."

Michael posted an appeal on social media asking people in Leeds to look out for the van and was flooded with messages.

The van's plates have since been found in Morley and Michael has thanked everyone who has shared his appeal.

He added: "The support from Leeds residents has been phenomenal.

"At first I felt like just packing it all in but the support has rebuilt my faith in mankind."

Anyone with information on the incident, or who may have CCTV that could assist police enquires, is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 13190665221.