Emily Riley-Dolan, who relies on the wheelchair due to spina bifida, has been left unable to live a normal life, her mother Amy Riley revealed. The theft occurred just days before Christmas, adding to the family’s distress.

Emily, paralyzed from the chest down, depends on her wheelchair for mobility and independence. The stolen wheelchair, crafted specifically for her needs, was valued at £4,000.

The family’s grey Peugeot 5008, containing the vital wheelchair in its boot, was taken from outside their home on Woodland Drive in Braunstone Town. The incident happened at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, according to Leicestershire Police.

The custom chair, worth £4,000 , was in the boot of the family’s grey Peugeot 5008 when the car was stolen from outside their home in Woodland Drive, Braunstone Town, around 4.30am on Sunday morning, Leicestershire Police said.

Amy made an public plea for here daughter’s ‘absolutely vital’ chair to be returned.

She said: ‘The car was important, but Emily’s wheelchair is absolutely vital.

‘Without it, she can’t get to hospital appointments, school or any other events. We’re asking anyone who knows anything or sees the vehicle to please come forward.

‘Getting her chair back means everything to us.

Emily Riley-Dolan’s £4,000 custom wheelchair was stolen on Sunday night leaving her ‘unable to live a normal life’

The family car was stolen from their home here on Woodland Drive, Braunstone Town, Leicestershire

‘Even if those who took the car could contact police and just leave the wheelchair somewhere for us to collect – that is all we care about.’

The wheelchair was due for replacement next year, but the new chair is still being custom-built in New Zealand to meet Emily’s needs, Leicestershire Police said. 

Just hours after Amy made her desperate plea, the chair and the car were miraculously driven back and returned to the family home the same day they had been taken.

People ‘were seen to run from the vehicle’ Leicestershire Police said, adding that an investigation to identify them was currently under way.

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: ‘Police and Emily’s family would like to thank everyone who shared the appeal and helped to reunite Emily with her wheelchair.’

Officers said they are trying to find out who was responsible for the theft.

They continue to appeal for anyone who has information to report it online at www.leics.police.uk – quoting crime reference 25*744074.