A THIEF stole vital equipment from an ambulance parked outside a hospital.

The man, believed to have been wearing a hooded top, took the first response bag from an ambulance outside Colchester General Hospital, in Turner Road.

Paramedics from Harwich had just taken a patient into accident and emergency when the thief took the large. red bag from the ambulance.

The bag and its contents were worth more than £200, and the incident meant the vehicle and crew had to be taken off call while police dealt with the theft.

Police say the haul did not include any dangerous drugs, but did include masks, painkillers, and other items used when a patient is first seen by a crew.

Duty operations manager, Steve Box, said he was astounded by the theft.

He added: “We honestly cannot believe someone wanted to do this.

“The bag contained first defence drugs crews administer so patients receive the best care possible before going to hospital.

“The bag and its contents were only of use to the ambulance crew who carry it. This is an absolutely selfish action.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 0300 3334444.