Teen with autism ‘left traumatised and scared’ after she was removed by police from Lisburn shop, says sister

Eileen Mitchell took to social media on Friday to share that her 19-year old sister, Katie – who is non-verbal, autistic and has learning difficulties – was removed from a branch of the second-hand electronics shop CEX on December 19th.

She said her sister had entered the shop after she spotted a DVD she wished to purchase, but was told by staff that a sale was not possible as the registers had been taken off due to closing.

She shared an image of Kate standing at the till, alongside a video in which she is being carried by several police officers out the front door of the shop.

Watch: Police remove autistic girl from Lisburn shop

The post has nearly 10,000 likes and over 8,000 shares, while the group NI Disability and Carers shared the post saying they “have no words” and tagged Chief Constable Jon Boutcher asking him if the response from the officers in the video was acceptable.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Eileen said Katie didn’t understand the situation which occurred after she spotted a DVD she wished to purchase of her favourite cartoon series Thomas the Tank Engine, and hit out at how it was handled by the retailer.

“It’s shocking, it’s like something you would have expected 20 years ago, but it’s coming into 2025 and things like this are still happening to vulnerable people,” said Eileen who said she believes it was her parents who called the police in the hopes of helping de-escalating the situation.

CEX has been contacted for comment.

“To be honest, Katie was very traumatised over this for a long time, it was the shock of it. We don’t know what long term impact it will have, we’re scared Katie will now react if she sees a police officer when out shopping, or if she sees another one of these shops.

“I don’t think we can take her shopping in Lisburn either, it’s so traumatic for her.

“You just assume that you can call the police in a crisis, and they’ll be able to help and be aware of how to handle vulnerable people, and help the situation.”

After the incident, Eileen claims her sister was carried outside of the shop, before she was set down. The police and shop staff then left, as Katie and Eileen’s father attempted to help her.

She also said her father stepped in after the incident because he was concerned that due to her low weight, Katie would be hurt when being carried by the officers.

“The worst part of it was that she was just left outside the store and everyone just walked off,” she added.

“We did hear from the police on Christmas Day who contacted us who told us that it was basically my mum and dads fault – as well as Katie’s fault. They were blaming them.”

The family said they have not received any further response from the police.

“I shared the video because of how my parents and Katie have been since, they’re really in shock about it all. The fact that several police officers needed to remove a young girl because of a £2 DVD. At the time when Katie wanted to buy it, my mum also said she begged with the shop to do anything that would help, like bringing back the DVD the next day to scan it, or letting them keep the box so the sale could be processed in the morning.

“I think we just need more common sense, and a better approach for disabled and vulnerable adults.”

The incident comes just weeks after the PSNI launched training webinars for police officers in partnership Autism NI.

An aspect of the training was to “focus on understanding and responding to the needs of autistic members of the public whilst on duty.”

At the time, Autism NI praised the partnership and said it was “ great to see” the organisation’s “commitment to supporting both autistic members of the public and autistic staff members”.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police were called to assist in a shop in the Bow Street area of Lisburn at 6.15pm last Sunday, 22nd December. Officers attended and removed a 19-year-old female from the shop.”

Sinn Féin councillor Gary McCleave said he had contacted the PSNI over the incident.

“I have made contact with the PSNI regarding this incident,” he said.

“This incident highlights the importance that shops and people who work in the public sector receive appropriate training.

“I will be speaking with my colleagues who will be raising it with the policing board.”

Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood also said she had contacted the family.

“Folks, regarding a video of an incident last week in Lisburn, I’ve made contact with all parties concerned this evening,” she said.

“In order to respect privacy and process, I will not be commenting further. Please rest assured that we are supporting the family and will be following through.”