Doncaster teenager with Down's Syndrome who is 'obsessed with police' has Christmas wish of being arrested come true

Residents on Emily Richard's street in Doncaster were alarmed by sirens and blue flashing lights last week as they were summoned to the 15-year-old's home.

But rather than attending a crime scene, the officers put their 'blues and two's' to carry out a very different job.

For Christmas this year, Emily asked her parents Wayne and Allison to tell Father Christmas that all she wanted this year was to be arrested.

The teenager, who lives with Down's Syndrome, is described as "police mad" and is "obsessed with police cars".

After hearing of the unusual request, Sergeant Gordon Sitch, along with officers Pc Karen Stebel and Pc Tim Croson from South Yorkshire Police's Airport Policing Group, visited Emily's home to make her Christmas wish come true.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 and social distancing regulations, the officers were unable to properly arrest Emily, and instead allowed her to sit inside the police car and press buttons to switch on the lights and siren.

They also chatted to Emily about their job and delivered gifts from the force's Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, of memorabilia including a plaque, a badge and a traditional police helmet for her to remember her visit.

Sgt Sitch said: “We have had a lovely afternoon making Emily’s Christmas wish come true. Seeing the excitement on her face is what Christmas is all about.

“We wish the Richards family a wonderful Christmas.”

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