Local news reports  that thieves stole an Xbox One console from the Children’s Assessment and Treatment Unit ward at Leeds Children’s Hospital in the UK earlier today.

Jerks Steal Game Console from Children Facing Life-Threatening Injuries

In an act of brazen theft, the perpetrators divested the ward of a crucial piece of entertainment that helps countless young patients afflicted by injuries and nasty life-threatening diseases.

The thieves went to some lengths to pry away the console from its fixings, depriving acutely unwell children spending long stints in the unit of a welcome distraction from the oft-traumatic tribulations of isolation, taxing treatment, and lengthy rehabilitation.

Taking to Facebook, the unit responsible for pediatric care within the hospital posted  the following message:

Community Sources Replacement Xbox One Within Minutes

Fortunately, the unit may not have to soldier on without an Xbox One for long, as multiple onlookers were quick to offer their services in sourcing a replacement amid massive support from the local community.

Offers ranged from an Xbox One to even a PlayStation 4, while others were ready to contribute financially to buy a replacement console.

We imagine the ward will be positively flooded with brand new consoles come Christmas. Nevertheless, that thieves would target a facility specifically set up to care for children is a sad state of affairs.