Police are investigating after thieves broke into an NHS van and stole 'vital' protective equipment including face masks and gloves.
The items were stolen when thieves smashed the van's window while it was parked in Kirkby, Merseyside, overnight on Tuesday (March 31).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is in high demand for NHS staff at the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic with many hospitals facing a shortage of supplies.
Chief Inspector for Merseyside Police Phil Mullally said: “This shows a complete lack of empathy towards our emergency service colleagues who are working tirelessly to protect the wider community.
"This equipment is vital in allowing NHS staff to complete their job and in the current climate where we are supposed to be supporting each other and working together, it is upsetting to see this sort of crime has taken place.
"Help us find the person/s responsible.”
Officers are appealing for information following the incident on Greenham Avenue between the hours of 10.30pm and 5.45am.
Merseyside Police is asking anyone with information, or who might have seen such items for sale in or around Kirkby, to contact the force on 101 quoting incident number 20000193044.
