Police warning over car thefts

Incident happened in Belfast city centre

The police have issued a warning to motorists about car thefts after a boy was tricked into getting out of a car in Belfast.

The 15-year-old's mother and disabled sister were in a shop in the city centre when the incident happened at 1815 BST on Thursday.

A youth told the boy there was something wrong at the back of the car.

When Gary Crawford got out to look, the youth jumped into the car while another also got in and drove off.

Gary Cawford: "We are all shocked about it"

Gary said he tried to drag one of the car thieves from the driver's seat.

Speaking on Friday, he said: "He came up and said there was something wrong with the back of the car.

"So I got out to see what it was and he pushed me out of the way and another man got into the driver's seat.

"Then I tried to pull the other guy out but he struggled with me and punched me and then they drove off.

"We are all very shocked about it.

"We didn't expect anything like this to happen especially during the day."

Gary's sister Alison said her car is vital to her independence. It had been specially adapted for her needs.

She said: "It is a lifeline to me.

"Without it I am housebound, I am stuck in the house with no social contacts."

The car was recovered by police on Friday.