THREE men and a woman have been arrested following theft of three children’s bikes belonging to a girl who lost her hands after contracting meningitis as a baby and her sisters.

The bikes, owned by Tilly, Tia, and Lucy-Anna Lockey, have been recovered and identified by the girls’ mother, Sarah.

They were stolen from the family’s garage in Blackhill, near Consett, and the police were informed on Sunday morning.

Officers said an ‘overwhelming’ response from the public had helped police with their inquiry.

Sergeant Martin Willis said: “I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ for all the help we’ve had from the community which led us to recover the girls’ bikes.

“The response to the appeals made by their mother and the police has been overwhelming.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to return the bikes which mean so much to the girls. The theft itself was extremely upsetting for all involved but we’ve all been moved by the goodwill and help we’ve received from everyone.”

The three men and one woman, all from the Derwentside area, were arrested on Wednesday morning.

A 36-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary have been bailed pending further enquiries.

A 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary has been released no further action for that offence, but has been charged with cultivation of cannabis. A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of burglary and released with no further action for that offence has been bailed in relation to a drugs offence.

Tilly Lockey, now eight, lost both her hands and all her toes after suffering Group B Meningococcal Septicaemia as a tot.

Since then her family have fundraised tirelessly to pay for new hands for her, special equipment and research into meningitis.

Her bike had been specially adapted to make it easier for her to ride.

The bikes also belonged to her elder sister Tia, ten, and her younger sister, six-year-old Lucy-Anna.