THE widow of a motorcycle sidecar racer killed in practice on the Isle of Man TT circuit in July has appealed to thieves to return his stolen leathers.

Phil Dongworth, of Stanford Bridge, near Tenbury, who was co-owner of Worcester’s WAS Autocentre, died aged 43 during practice for the Southern 100 races at the famous motorcycle racing venue on July 14.

Mr Dongworth left a widow, Teresa, and children Corin, aged 19, and 11-year-old Chloe. Although the leathers were stolen before his death, they hope whoever stole the protective outfit will return it now they know that the owner is deceased.

The £800 black and red leathers – with ‘Dongworth’ unmistakably emblazoned on the back – were taken from a yellow Mercedes lorry at his company’s Bath Road premises between noon on June 19 and 6.15pm on June 21.

“Mrs Dongworth and her family are very hopeful that, in the tragic circumstances, whoever took the leathers will be wanting to get them back to her,” said a south Worcestershire police spokesman.

Also taken were a £700 gunmetal grey Arai crash-helmet, with WAS in yellow writing on the face-piece, and six black helmet visors, valued at £6 each; a £200 yellow and blue Michelin compressor; an Avon Tyres black holdall with white lettering, valued at £150; a £60 pair of black motorcycle boots and a pair of black and red leather gloves, valued at £50.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 694S/220609.

Details can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.