Biking enthusiast Darren Schaefer has turned private eye in his search for his stolen superbike.

The 1370cc turbo-charged machine, which was custom-built for him, was stolen from the garage of his home in Normandy Crescent, Cowley, Oxford, during the Christmas break.

Despite an offer of a £500 reward, Darren is still no nearer being reunited with his powerful pride and joy.

In the past two months, he has followed up rumours that his bike may have made its way to Devon but drew a blank. He also tracked down four youths after neighbours saw the bike being pushed away from his garage on December 28. But the allegation was strenuously denied, and witnesses were unable to provide positive identification of the suspects.

Darren said: "I've still got my suspicions about some people, but I just can't prove anything.

"Deep down I think it's probably in bits by now."