It probably wouldn't have been the best moment to remind David Cameron about hugging hoodies.

The Tory leader found himself stranded on his way home from work when teenage thieves made off with his bicycle as he shopped for salad.

He had often been pictured on the prized mountain bike cycling to Westminster.

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Upset: David Cameron calls for help after his bike went missing

Mr Cameron had chained it up on Wednesday evening in Portobello Road, West London, as he went into a Tesco supermarket near his home.

When he returned five minutes later, the silver and black Scott bike had gone. A Tory spokesman said it was probably worth £250 to £300.

Cameron looks on in horror as he realises his bike has gone

Mr Cameron, 41, had placed the chain through the bike's wheel and around a 2ft bollard – allowing the thieves to simply lift both the bicycle and the lock clear.

Market trader Gary Brown, 32, said: 'At first I don't think he realised what had happened and thought he had forgotten where he had left it.

'Then he just could not believe he had been the victim of petty crime. He asked if we had seen anyone take his bike and we just laughed at him.

'There was a group of kids hanging around and I think they just lifted it straight off the bollard. Everyone thought it was quite funny – he was very calm though. After a bit, he walked off towards his house looking a bit dejected.'

Mr Cameron said he had reported the theft to police but was not 'holding his breath' for its return.

He added: 'I've had the bike for six years. A friend gave it to me as a present. It has 30 gears. To me it was absolutely priceless. It's like losing an old friend.'

A bewildered Cameron walks up and down the street looking for his beloved bike

Later he joked: 'I'm contemplating introducing sharia law for bicycle theft.'

Mr Cameron and the bike have enjoyed a high media profile since he became Tory leader three years ago.

He has often been shown cycling to the Commons, but two years ago it was revealed that his chauffeur-driven car followed him, carrying his work shoes, briefcase and a clean shirt.

In March, he apologised after being filmed ignoring red lights and cycling the wrong way up a one-way street.

Riding high: David Cameron on his bike