An eight-year-old disabled boy whose three pet rabbits were decapitated after they were stolen from the back garden of his home in Portrush, Co Antrim, last month was yesterday presented with three recently born replacements.
Alexander Hughes laughed and smiled as the rabbits, which were donated by a Co Derry petshop owner, were handed over to him by friends and relatives.
A local businessman also donated free hutches, and money raised by police in Coleraine was used to buy Alexander a go-kart.
"The community response has been terrific. We just can't believe it," said Alexander's mother, Caroline.
"The rabbits are the same colours as the ones that were stolen. What happened last month horrified Alexander and he didn't sleep for days after it," she said.
Alexander's father, James, said they were overwhelmed by the public response.
"This has really made his day, and we want to say a big thank-you to all involved in making this such a happy day for Alexander," he said.