Brazen thieves stole an entire roadside café from its site.

They are believed to have used a lorry and crane to lift the converted cabin from a Cross Roads lay-by.

The theft has left Michelle Palmer’s business — and livelihood — in ruins. She said she was horrified to discover early last Thursday that her café had vanished from the lay-by off Halifax Road.

Miss Palmer, 25, of Dawson Road, Keighley, said the devastating blow had come only months after she had bought her first house.

She said the café must have been lifted on to a wagon and she appealed for anyone who might have seen it to contact the police.

Miss Palmer had run her business, selling breakfasts and sandwiches, for four years from a mobile van before moving it to the stationary café a year ago.

She said: “I have put everything into it. It was my only source of income, so I’m thinking what about my mortgage and everything?

“I have built it up from nothing and now it’s been taken overnight.

“It annoys me the fact that I put so much effort into it and some horrible person just takes whatever they want or need.”

The distinctive green cabin is 20ft long and 8ft wide, has a blue roof and carries the name of the business, Tip Top Tasters.

Miss Palmer said: “I have phoned most of my wagon driver customers and just told them because it could still be on the back of a wagon — it is not little.”

Miss Palmer’s father, Neil Palmer, 49, said: “Her livelihood has just all gone in one go.

“She’s tried working hard and someone just takes it — now she has no money, job, or anything any more.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police were called at about 7am on Thursday by a woman reporting the theft of a portable building from a lay-by in Halifax Road, Keighley.

“Officers attended the scene and the matter is now being looked into.” Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact the unit on 0845 6060606.