A man whose home was targeted by burglars while he was in hospital has had his faith in humanity restored after wellwishers replaced some of his stolen belongings.

Thieves broke in to Dale Austin’s home in Rosberg Road, Canvey, while he was in Southend Hospital for treatment for severe eczema on his feet.

They kicked in his front door and stole his Xbox 360, a limited editionGears of War game, worth more than £300, as well as his collection of games.

The unemployed 21-year-old said the theft left him feeling depressed, but thanks to coverage in the Echo, people have offered him help.

He said: “A lady came with her son’s Xbox. She has loaned it to me until I can save up for a new one.

“I couldn’t believe it, she was so kind.

“Other people have been offering to help me.

“They are all darlings. It makes me have faith in humankind again. You don’t find many kindhearted people like that nowadays.”

Mr Austin, who suffers from asperger syndrome and autism, said he considered gaming therapeutic and it helped him to stop feeling anxious.

He said: “It helps keep my spirits lifted.

“I take my anger and upset out on a game. It feels a lot better to do it online rather than physically and mentally hurting myself.”

He added forensic teams had searched his flat for fingerprints but they believed the thieves had worn gloves.

Mr Austin, who was admitted to hospital the day before the theft on August 9, only found out he had been burgled when a neighbour rang him in hospital.

He added: “Things are looking up for me. My eczema looks ten times better.

“I am feeling a lot calmer.”