Yobs threw snowballs at the Essex Air Ambulance as it took a Great Oakley teenager to hospital following a sledging accident.
The emergency operations received a report of a sledging accident at Colchester's Castle Park at 11.58am yesterday.
A Weeley-based land ambulance was sent to the scene, arriving seven minutes later.
The crew was concerned about access to the patient, a 17-year-old girl, of Great Oakley, because of the snow and ice.
They called the air ambulance in, as it was able to get a lot closer to the casualty.
Air crew paramedic Darren Deakin said: "While we were treating her, a group of teenagers started throwing snowballs at the helicopter. When we asked them to stop they shouted abuse back, but did stop.
"Unfortunately, they decided to do it again as we took off. It might sound like a prank, but it was a totally irresponsible act."
Published Friday January 30, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article