The family of young Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann have said they are “devastated” after their car, wheelchair and Christmas presents were stolen.
Waiting years for a heart transplant, Dáithí and his parents have become well-known for their tireless campaigning on organ donation in Northern Ireland.
Sharing an update on Wednesday, the family from Ballymurphy posted: “In the early hours of this morning, our family car was stolen.
“We’re absolutely devastated, especially at this time of year.
“What makes this even harder is that Dáithi’s wheelchair was in the car. He’s now left without it, which has a real impact on his day to day life.”
They added: “We won’t go into too much detail, but this is being treated seriously and the police are investigating.
“We’re sharing this to make people in the area aware and to ask everyone to stay vigilant.
“Like many families, Christmas presents were in the car too. We won’t let this ruin the magic for Dáithí, but it’s hard not to feel that something really special has been taken from us.
“We want to say thank you to the community in Ballymurphy for the messages, the support, and for looking out for one another. It means more than people realise.”
Footage shared on social media showed police officers arresting suspects as a car was driven up a grass verge in a car park.
Police in west Belfast said they made three arrests after the theft from the Whitecliff Crescent area of the city was reported on Wednesday morning.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “A further report came in around 12pm of a suspicious vehicle in the Falls Road area, on police attendance it was noted to be the stolen vehicle.
“In an attempt to stop it, two police vehicles and a car belonging to a member of the public have been damaged.
“A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and a number of driving related offences. A 35-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They all remain in custody at this time.”
