Jeremy Clarkson supports girl, 4, after yobs steal and smash eggs

Maisie Willis had been running a small egg stand outside her family home when two hooded youths in Holbury, Southampton, tore it down and stole her produce.

Mr Clarkson described it as the “saddest story of the week” in his column for The Times, lamenting what he sees as the decline of the country’s entrepreneurial streak.

In his piece, he argued the incident underlines his belief that “it’s easier to live on benefits”.

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“Little Maisie Willis keeps a few chickens in the back garden at her home near Southampton, and sells the eggs to passers-by from a roadside stall,” the outspoken presenter said.

“But while she was celebrating her fourth birthday, some yobs in balaclavas broke her stall and smashed all the eggs.

“She wanted to make a bit of pocket money. She was learning about business.

“And now she’s been taught it’s easier to live on benefits.”

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The family later discovered the wrecked stall dumped in a nearby street, with Maisie’s smashed eggs scattered across the road.

Maisie’s mother, Chelsea Willis, eventually tracked down the two teenagers involved and secured an apology.

The 28-year-old said: “Two horrible boys smashed it apart and threw her eggs all across the road.

“They have been made to apologise, but it doesn’t make up for how upset she is.

“We were having her birthday party, and these boys ruined it.”