A STROKE victim who needs 24-hour care has been left terrified and trapped after thieves raided her specially-adapted home.

Burglars struck at Jenny Broom's house early yesterday as she and husband Aaron were sleeping.

The thieves kicked in the kitchen window to gain access to the house, in Second Avenue, Church, which had to be adapted after Jenny had a stroke in the summer of 2000.

The rare brain disorder she suffered left her quadriplegic and in need of round-the-clock care.

Among the many items taken was the couple's VW Golf MK51OHN, which contained a special hoist Jenny uses to be lifted in and out of her wheelchair.

A stroke support group today condemned the theft as "despicable" and police investigating the crime said they were outraged that the burglars would target a severely disabled woman.

Aaron said the theft hadleft 23-year-old Jenny terrified and confined to the house.

Hyndburn Borough Council spent thousands of pounds to alter the house to enable the couple to live there. A full-time nurse is on hand when Aaron is not available.

Aaron, 35, said: "The thieves would have seen that the house is specially adapted straight away, but that didn't seem to bother them.

"I think they are disgusting to do something like this.

This is more than a home to Jenny, it is her hospital and now she feels vulnerable."

Aaron, who works for a Bolton printing firm, said he may have disturbed the burglars after hearing a mobile phone ring.

When he went to investigate, he saw nothing out of place and went back to bed.

In the morning, he noticed a kitchen window was open and realised items had been stolen including his wallet and electrical goods.

But it was the theft of his car and the hoist which sickened him.

He said: "That is Jenny's means of transport. Without that we will have to rely on specially-adapted taxis."

Detective Inspector Peter Broome of Accrington CID said: "Whoever committed this offence can not have been unaware that the premises they were burgling belonged to a person suffering a significant disability.

"Despite that, they have stolen the family's means of transport, effectively rendering an already disadvantaged family immobile.

"Words fail me to describe my contempt for these criminals.

"I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police, however minor it may seem to them.

"These people need to be caught and brought to justice."

Elaine Roberts, regional manager of the Stroke Association, said: "I find it absolutely extraordinary that anyone could do this and I only hope they never need this equipment themselves."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "What words can you use to describe the sort of people who would commit this appalling and despicable crime?

"I hope the perpetrators are brought to justice as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01254 51212.