A toy story has warmed the hearts of everyone in Harefield after police officers rallied round to replace a games console stolen from the outpatients department.

PC Andy Tyler, who has been part of the Harefield Safer Neighbourhood Team for 12 months, was incensed by the theft of the Playstation 2 (PS2) and four games on Christmas Eve - which had been donated weeks earlier - and he resolved to contact colleagues to see if anyone could help.

The police staff website has a 'wanted' section which provides opportunities for employees to buy and sell personal goods.

Mr Tyler said: "Within five minutes I had been offered two Playstations and to date the total is nine. I have accepted four PS2s and 12 games.

"Two consoles will go to Harefield and the remaining two are likely to be donated to Mount Vernon Hospital."

Mr Tyler, a police officer for 18 years, 16 of them in Hillingdon division, said: "It is highly unusual to hear of a theft like this as it is one of the lowest things you can imagine, to deprive children who are unwell from having things which might take their mind off their problems, while waiting to be seen.

"I was astounded by the response and that there is still so much generosity even during the present credit crunch."

He would like to publicly thank Kat Savidge who works at Hendon, Bill Schofield at Wandsworth, Christine Topping from Wembley police station and Marnie Smith from Ruislip station.

Mr Tyler said: "People are often keen to criticise the 'Old Bill' so it is good for them to see the caring side.

"It was very rewarding to hand the Playstations over on Monday and we are also liaising with hospital staff to ensure security of the consoles."

Annabel Bryant, sister for the children's outpatients centre at the hospital in Hill End Road, said: "We are incredibly grateful to PC Tyler for his act of generosity which was beyond the call of duty. I know the children visiting our outpatients centre will thoroughly enjoy playing on the games consoles.

"Games and activities are so important for children visiting hospital as the more relaxed they are, the better care we can deliver."

Chief Inspector Maurice Harnett, of Hillingdon Police, said: "Our Safer Neighbourhood teams work closely with residents and employers to ensure satisfactory resolutions to their problems.

"This is one example where a member of the team has show the human side of being a police officer when it was much-needed.

"I am sure the contributions made will provide pleasure for the young people going through a difficult time."