Charity supporting Ukrainian orphans 'devastated' after minibus stolen in Edinburgh

A Ukrainian orphans charity in Edinburgh has said it is “devastated” after its minibus was stolen.

The Dnipro Kids vehicle, a 17-seater Ford Transit van, was parked in the Joppa area in the east of the city when it went missing.

The van, used for children’s excursions, was last seen by the charity on Friday after mechanics had parked it outside a garage following its MOT.

When they went to pick it up on Monday, it was stolen.

Stevie Carr, Dnipro Kids chairman and co-founder, told STV News it was “hard to believe” someone would steal a bus that supports children.

He said: “We are devastated at the loss of our minibus.

“It was vital part of the charity, and was used for school runs, doctor and dental appointments, and even shopping runs for the Ukrainian house mums, when the Ukrainian children first came to Edinburgh.

“More recently it has been used for excursions, and it has been used by other Ukrainian support organisations within Edinburgh, such as AUGB Edinburgh.

“It’s hard to believe that someone would take a minibus that is clearly marked up as a charity minibus supporting children.”

Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.