Selfish thug steals defibrillator and paramedic's packed lunch during 999 call

A heartless thief stole a defibrillator and personal items belonging to an ambulance crew as they responded to a 999 call.

Laura Brocklebank and Dan Leadbetter from the South Central Ambulance Service were both robbed while they tended to a patient in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

The mean-spirited crook nicked sunglasses, an iPhone charger, a Cath Kidson bag and even a packed lunch.

The ambulance's radio was also damaged in the raid and the vehicle has since been taken off the road.

Social media users voiced their shock at the incident after it was revealed on the South Central Ambulance Service's Facebook page.

Local Mark Butler has set up a JustGiving page to help raise funds for the service and generous donors have already pledged £1,200.

Dan Leadbetter also had personal items taken (South Central Ambulance Service)

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Mark said:  “Whilst this theft and vandalism is relatively small in monetary value, the impact it can have on staff morale and their ability to undertake their role properly can be huge.

"I have set up a little fundraiser for South Central Ambulance Service, just as a way of showing our appreciation to them and our disgust at the actions of some individuals.”

South Central Ambulance Service said the response showed that "community spirit is so much stronger than the irrational actions of some individuals."

Dan Leadbetter, one of the paramedics involved, told the Sun : “Myself and my colleague who were the crew are so grateful and humbled for the support shown by everyone.

The South Central Ambulance Service crew were on a call-out when the crook struck (Eddie / Flickr)

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"We never in a million years expected anything like this to happen and all staff within South Central Ambulance Service are proud to serve Basingstoke and the surrounding areas. Once again thank you for all your support.”

Sergeant Trevor Taylor, from Basingstoke police, praised the “amazing community spirit” following the incident.

"Basingstoke is a very safe place to live and quite clearly full of amazing people who pull together as a great community should when it counts.”