ITV Emmerdale star shares tearful update after falling victim to devastating car theft: 'Absolutely heartbroken!'

Bradley Riches, the 24-year-old actor known for portraying Lewis Barton in ITV's Emmerdale and James McEwan in the Netflix hit Heartstopper, has been left devastated after criminals took both his car and coffee truck.

The theft occurred on Wednesday evening whilst Mr Riches was in London celebrating at the Heartstopper Forever premiere.

Upon returning home from what he described as a wonderful evening, the actor discovered he had been robbed.

Mr Riches operates a mobile coffee business called Bradley's Bar & Cafe, which regularly serves customers outside The New Inn Eccup on Saturdays.

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Police have been unable to track down either vehicle at their last known locations.

The actor shared a tearful selfie on Instagram, revealing his emotional state following the discovery.

"My car is gone, but what breaks my heart the most is that my coffee truck has been taken too," Mr Riches wrote.

"Two things I've worked so incredibly hard for, gone just like that."

The actor described himself as "absolutely heartbroken" by the ordeal, which came at the end of what had begun as a perfect week.

In a pointed message directed at those responsible, Mr Riches added: "To the person who took them, I hope you have a really bad day."

The business's official Instagram page has been updated to reflect the situation, with its bio now reading "currently stolen."

Mr Riches praised the police response, stating they "have been fantastic" despite being unable to locate the vehicles.

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A post shared by Bradley Riches (@brad_riches)

He is now urging anyone in the Leeds and Bradford area to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings.

"Even the smallest piece of information could make a huge difference," he wrote, asking people to send private messages if they spot the trailer, car, or anything potentially connected to the crime.

The theft means the Emmerdale star is currently unable to serve his regular Saturday customers at the mobile café.

The comment section beneath Mr Riches's posts was flooded with messages of support from fans and fellow performers alike.

Emmerdale co-star Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, responded: "I hope they are caught!!!"

Christine McGuinness also offered her sympathies to the actor, writing: "Sending lots of love, positive energy and magical wishes."

"I'm really so sorry" one fan wrote, as another penned: "WHAT???? That’s awful, Bradley. I hope you’re ok." (sic)

A third fan wrote: "I hope they get caught, and I’m so sorry that’s happened."

Someone else added: "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry. What an awful thing for someone to do.

"At least you weren't home when it happened and you and the hubs are safe. How terribly violated you both must feel. Sending love."

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