GREENWICH cops rescued a 10-year-old boy’s Christmas in Eltham after callous crooks stole his family’s presents.

On Christmas Eve, PC James Barningham and PC Carly Wilton were called by an Eltham family who had been robbed of their Christmas gifts following a burglary at a relative’s house in Bexleyheath where the goodies were stored.

The Charlton-based response officers were moved to start a collection for the family which included the team’s recent £30 lottery win as well as a Lego set for the 10-year-old to replace his stolen gift.

They delivered £120 and the Lego set, which was donated from an online Dartford seller, on Christmas Day.

Police Sergeant Danny Ord, from Greenwich response team C, said: "We tried our best to help this family and were really pleased that we were able to bring some happiness to their household, after such a terrible start to the Christmas festivities.

"We are parents too and couldn't bear the thought that this family's Christmas was going to be ruined by callous burglars."

He added: "I didn't have a chance to spend Christmas with my two daughters as I was working, but the thought that our efforts helped another family and their young son made our shift worthwhile."