Thieves steals sentimental items from family whose son was killed in dog attack

02 April 2023 , 13:41

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Frankie pictured with his dad, Billy MacRitchie (Image: PA)

A family has been left heartbroken for a second time after thieves stole sentimental items from their home, after their nine-year-old son died in a holiday tragedy.

Little Frankie MacRitchie's death sent shockwaves across the nation when he was killed in a horrific dog attack on April 13, in 2019.

The " bright, brave and beautiful " nine-year-old was attacked by the dog when he was left alone with the animal in a caravan for more than two hours with a dog at Tencreek Holiday Park in Looe, Cornwall.

Close to four years on, Frankie's dad, Billy MacRitchie, has been left broken once again.

He had gone out for the day on Wednesday, March 29, with his partner and on the way home received a call from the police at around 2.30pm.

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Billy was alerted to the fact a neighbour had called 999 to report a break-in at his home.

Frankie died in April, 2020 (PA)

Police surrounded Billy's home in the Ham area of Plymouth, believing the suspect was still inside the home, Plymouth Live reports.

Billy says the police did not find anyone in the home, but his window was smashed and the suspect made off with a number of belongings, including "sentimental" items.

Taking to Facebook, Billy said he was "gutted" and is offering a cash reward for information. Frankie's auntie and Billy's sister, Danielle has appealed for help in locating the treasured items, including a silver trinket box including Frankie's gold bangle and baby tooth.

Tawnee Willis pictured with her son Frankie MacRitchie (TAWNIE WILLIS/FACEBOOK)

Danielle said they want to locate the trinket box as it is "the most precious thing". "Obviously all of it would be nice, but it is his things we are most upset about," she said.

If you have any information about the incident or know the whereabouts of the stolen goods, please get in touch with Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 quoting CR/50230072592 or email 101@dc.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you use Crimestoppers your name and information will not be stored or passed on.

Katie Timms