Police appeal after theft of Christmas gifts meant for disabled youngster's fund-raising party

Police have appealed to the public after gifts intended to raise funds for a disabled Northumberland girl were stolen.
Gemma and Ella EdwardsGemma and Ella Edwards
Gemma and Ella Edwards

Officers in Hexham are investigating after the presents were stolen from a parked car.

Gemma Edwards, 26, had left gifts that were part of a party raising money for her disabled daughter’s medical treatment in her car overnight on Saturday, December, 14 in Bondgate Close.

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Gemma’s daughter, three-year-old Ella, is confined to a wheelchair and has quadriplegic cerebral palsy with spasticity and dystonia.

The gifts were part of a drive to help raise money for Ella to have pioneering stem cell treatment in America.

A total of 45 gifts were taken from the vehicle and an investigation has now been launched.

Officers are now appealing to the public for help to find those responsible.

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Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges, of Northumbria Police, said: “It is thought that the gifts were stolen sometime between 7pm on Saturday December 14 and midday on Sunday December 15.

“We’re investigating a number of lines of enquiry, however, we need anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has information that could help, to get in touch.

“Any small detail could be beneficial to the investigation and help officers track down those responsible and reunite the gifts with Gemma and Ella in time for Christmas.”

Anyone with any information, or who saw anything suspicious, is asked to contact police via 101 using reference number 448 15/12/19.