Preston North End have pledged to give a young fan Jermaine Beckford's original Wembley shirt - but only if it is returned to them.

The club announced today that they hoped someone would come forward with the footballer's original match shirt after a young fan was left heartbroken when it was taken off him.

TV footage from the club's playoff final against Swindon at the national stadium showed Ted Dockray grabbing the striker's shirt after he threw it into the crowd on Sunday.

Further footage then appeared to show a woman, named as Vickie Timbrell, taking the shirt from the eight-year-old.

In a statement tonight, Preston North End told how they were aware of the situation and promised to give Ted a tour of their stadium and hand over Beckford spare match shirt.

The club added: "If the shirt that Jermaine wore is returned to us, we will of course present this to the child in question instead."

Match winner: Jermaine Beckford scored a hat-trick in the match (
Image:
Carl Court)

After the footage went viral on social media, members of the child's family said he was 'gutted' and that the shirt had been 'stolen'.

Earlier today, Mrs Timbrell deleted her Facebook account after being targeted by trolls on social media.

She also told the Manchester Evening News that she would be contacting the police over the abuse she has received.

However, the Metropolitan Police, Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Police have been unable to confirm they have received such a complaint.

Following the backlash against the woman, Ted Dockray's aunt Claire urged fans to leave the woman alone on Facebook.

Row: Social media has been swamped with angry people slamming the woman after the incident

She told a Preston North End fan page: "We don't feel any bad feeling towards the woman and hope it calms down.

"[Ted] was a bit disappointed but he's fine.

"My family would never want any trouble for the woman over a football shirt.

"I'm sure it will be a happy ending for everyone involved."

Ms Timbrell declined to answer questions from the Mirror last night, but insisted: "My side of the story will soon come out."

Deleted: Vickie has taken down her Facebook account after claiming to have suffered abuse (
Image:
Facebook)

Jamaica international striker Beckford weighed into the row over the shirt yesterday, telling the Mirror: "It was intended as a goodwill gesture.

"I assumed it would go to a good home from someone who was able to enjoy the game today.

"Hopefully, it will find its way back to the kid who caught it."

The presentation will be made at Preston North End's stadium Deepdale on Friday morning.