An emergency ambulance was stolen last night (14th November) as medics treated a patient.
The emergency ambulance crew were dealing with an emergency on Green Lane in Deeside, Flintshire, on Saturday at 22:00 GMT when callous thieves took the vehicle.
Another crew was sent to the address to assist with the treatment and transportation of the sick patient.
North Wales Police located the vehicle a short time later on Dee View Crescent. It had been abandoned after sustaining heavy damage.
Bob Tooby, Assistant Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said:
“The theft of an emergency ambulance is an extremely irresponsible act placing patients and the public at risk.
“Had the crew needed to access additional emergency equipment from the vehicle, or to urgently convey the patient to hospital, this act could have led to very serious harm.
“North Wales Police are now leading enquiries to identify the offenders, and we would encourage members of the public to come forward with any information regarding the theft.
“North Wales Police have dispatched their crime scene examiners who will forensically examine the vehicle.
“Our services have been extremely busy dealing with winter pressures, alongside the challenges of the pandemic.
“We will be supporting our North Wales Police colleagues to find the person responsible, and bring them to justice.
“This is a very rare occurrence but is being treated incredibly seriously.”
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said:
“On Saturday 14th November 2020 at 2200 hours a Welsh Ambulance Service vehicle was stolen from Green Lane in Deeside.
“The Ambulance was located a short time after in Dee View Crescent abandoned with damage caused.
“As a result, this has left the Ambulance service with one less emergency resource and ultimately putting people’s lives in danger.
“North Wales Police are appealing to the public for any information with regards to who is responsible”.
Anyone that has information police contact police on 101 or via the web chat service quoting the reference number Y167716
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