PEOPLE have been coming forward in droves to help non-verbal six-year-old Isabelle Owen, the girl with autism whose iPad was stolen from her home while she slept last weekend.

Within two days, a number of donors had stepped in to replace the tablet, which Isabelle uses to develop her speech, and £400 has been given to the family by TPS Chimneys and Stoves, of Wroughton.

The donation will fund a brand new iPad and even replace all the autism apps Isabelle uses, such as Tracing Words.

The distinctive original tablet has also been found, as Isabelle’s mother Tracey Thomas was contacted on Tuesday evening by a man who had recently bought it.

The police have now been informed.

“We have had £400 donated for a new iPad, and that was overwhelming,” said Tracey, 37.

“I just want to thank everyone for their response. It is really nice, especially considering our circumstances.

“The last 48 hours have been hell, really, but everyone’s generosity has been amazing.”

Isabelle is counting down the hours until she gets her new tablet, with a schedule pinned to the fridge anticipating the delivery.

The burglary is thought to have taken place overnight last Sunday, with the offender forcing entry through the front door while the family slept upstairs.

Now that a new tablet is on the way, Tracey has turned her efforts to replacing her house and car keys after a bundle of keys were also stolen.

“Last night I had a phone call from the person who has now got the iPad, and I think they have bought it from someone, and didn’t realise at the time where it had come from,” she said.

“We have left it with him, but the police have been informed so they are looking into it.

“I said to him forget about the iPad itself, all we want now is to find the person who did this.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “Wiltshire Police are investigating a burglary at a home in York Road, Swindon.

“The incident is believed to have taken place between 10pm on April 26 and 5.30am on April 27.

“Offenders are believed to have broke in through the front door, and stolen an iPad, as well as a number of keys and tobacco.

“Officers are carrying out a thorough investigation and house to house inquiries are continuing.”

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area between 10pm and 5.30am should call police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.