Warning after defibrillator stolen for second time

The marine club is situated on the River Tees in Stockton

A defibrillator has been stolen from a remote marine club for the second time this year.

The life-saving equipment was taken from Stockton's Castlegate Marine Club earlier this month.

It had been returned to its dock recently following an earlier theft that resulted in a widespread social media appeal.

Club director Derek Berryman said: "These people have let themselves down and let this town down, I thought everyone would know life-saving gear is not to be messed with."

The retired fire officer said the device, which can administer a shock to someone in cardiac arrest, had been taken "by a group of adults" for the first time in May.

The defibrillator was returned after social media posts went viral, but when Mr Berryman went to check on it earlier this week, he found it was missing again.

"Whoever has taken it has robbed this community of a vital piece of life-saving equipment," he said.

"We have children playing by the river and people down here and it's so important to have a working defibrillator.

"The closest one now is 10 minutes away, and that could be too late for somebody."

Mr Berryman said he believed the machine would have no value outside of its intended purpose, adding that part of it had been left behind.

"There's nothing to gain from taking this," he added.

The club is looking to replace the machine, which can cost upwards of £1,600.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the device had been taken from the Council of Europe Boulevard in Stockton sometime over the last fortnight.

She appealed for anyone with information about the theft to contact the force.