Land Rover Evoque stolen from family home in Newark hours after it was bought

A man who bought an expensive Land Rover as a dream car had it for only hours before it was stolen.

Luke Simmons, of Barnbygate, Newark, bought a Land Rover Evoque from Gumtree, yet it was stolen from his driveway after he went to bed for the night.

The car was taken between 10.30pm on Tuesday and 6am yesterday.

Police are appealing for information to further their investigation.

Luke, who is self-employed, said he took yesterday off work to get himself together.

"It was just about all of my savings," he said.

"I put a lot of money into that car.

"At first I felt stupid because I thought it was my fault for buying it privately, but I didn't suspect a thing.

"And then I was angry, but more gutted, because it was a lot of money for me.

"It took me a long time to save up for it.

"It was mine and my partner's dream car ­— we always wanted one. We thought because business was going well, we might as well treat ourselves.

"But to have the car for only six hours and not even drive it ­— there are no words for it."

Luke went to see the car a week ago, when he took it for a test drive and went over paperwork, and, on Tuesday afternoon, after paying for the black Land Rover, his partner picked the vehicle up and drove it back to their home.

"It was parked up for about half seven," he said.

"I had a look out the window at about half ten before I went to bed and it was still there.

"My baby woke me up in the morning and I had a check on the car, but it wasn't there."

Luke said he completed a HPI check, a report on the vehicle's history, and everything came back clear.

Since the theft he has appealed for information on his personal Facebook account, which has gained huge support, being shared more than 700 times.

He said other Gumtree users had been in touch as they had experienced a similar situation.

"We've heard from two others, who have bought a car from the same person.

"One had their car stolen and the other person said the police took their car off them because it was a clone, which meant their insurance was void.

"Fingers crossed that hasn't happened to me. I'm hoping the car is legit.

"I've spoken to the insurance company and I have to wait to speak to a specialist team that deals with stolen vehicles on Monday morning."

To make matters worse, Luke said he left his logbook and important documents in the car, along with a £900 pram and expensive baby seat.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage in relation to the incident, is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 000058-12092019