A TEAM of injured servicemen and women from Help for Heroes had their bikes stolen hours before they were due to take part in a triathlon.

A 40-strong team from the Downton-based charity was staying at a campsite in Somerford Keynes when 12 bikes were stolen at about 1am on Sunday morning.

The team was camping at the Go-by-Cycle site prior to taking part in the Cotswold 113 triathlon.

A Help for Heroes spokesman said: “The thieves would have clearly seen a Help for Heroes banner on the tent as they carried the bikes away as it was a moonlit night.”

She said Team True Spirit, which comprises wounded and sick servicemen and women and veterans from all over the UK.

The Cotswold triathlon was to be their main training event for the Ironman UK challenge on July 20.

Most of the equipment had been donated by members of the public and Help for Heroes co-founder Bryn Parry said it was “unforgiveable” that someone would steal from servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.