Festive gifts for sick children stolen in raid

CALLOUS crooks have swiped almost 400 Christmas gifts destined to bring a smile to sick and dying children.

The gift-wrapped toys were due to go to poorly youngsters at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Rainbows children’s hospice.

Staff at the Great Central Railway had stacked them in a carriage at a station in Quorn, ready for distribution but when checking last Wednesday they found the lot had been stolen.

Around £1,500 worth of toys were taken, including Dora the Explorer gifts, cars, trucks and Transformers, with the raid taking place some time in the past two weeks.

GCR spokesman Michael Stokes said: “They were stock we bought last year to give out on our Santa trains which was left over and that we had decided to donate to the hospital and Rainbows.

“They were wrapped and ready to go but when we went to sort them found they were missing. “It’s depressing really.” Mr Stokes said he believed the thieves could have unlocked the carriage doors with a standard carriage key, which are quite common.

It is thought the raiders must have used a van or some other vehicle to transport that many presents once taken from the carriage.

He added: “The only good news is that since we discovered the theft we have had a few people prepared to donate replacement toys, so we will at least be able to donate some presents to the children. We are grateful for that.”