Fred the tuk-tuk that vanished outside its owner’s home in east London has been found—but not with the “fairy tale” ending she hoped for.

Newham Recorder: Tuk-tuk Fred pictured at a weddingTuk-tuk Fred pictured at a wedding (Image: Emily Herriott)

The three-wheeled ‘scooter’ van more commonly used in India which Em Herriott uses on her coffee sales round, had been stolen from outside her home.

But it was located this week by sharp-eyed Newham Recorder readers.

The paper was contacted by a reader who saw her appeal to find Fred with the online hashtag #findfred saying that it had been dumped in Ravenscroft Close, Canning Town, just off the A13 Newham Way.

Em realised the vehicle, which was recovered by police, was almost unrecognisable when it was found on Tuesday. It had been vandalised and for some reason sprayed black.

Newham Recorder: Emily 'Em' Herriott ran her 'We Are Here' coffee business from her tuk-tuk before it was stolenEmily 'Em' Herriott ran her 'We Are Here' coffee business from her tuk-tuk before it was stolen (Image: Em Herriott)

The 31-year-old entrepreneur, who runs her ‘We Are Here’ mobile coffee stall business from her home in Leyton, received an overwhelming response from readers in Canning Town where Fred ended up.

She said on her ‘We Are Here’ facebook page: “This has been a wild week. You’ve shown so much love and support. It’s been absolutely incredible, but I’m sad to say Fred did not get his ‘fairy tale’ ending’.”

The matter is now in the hands of the police and her insurance company, she adds, because of the damage to Fred and his trailer rooftop that’s been stolen.

Newham Recorder: Sorry-looking Fred the tuk-tuk who's been daubed in black paint and had his trailer cover swiped in Canning Town. Picture: Em HerriottSorry-looking Fred the tuk-tuk who's been daubed in black paint and had his trailer cover swiped in Canning Town. Picture: Em Herriott (Image: Em Herriott)