Thieves take fire station's life-saving equipment

Hodnet fire crews said thieves targeted cutting equipment

Thieves have broken into a Shropshire fire station and stolen equipment used to cut crash victims from vehicles.

Firefighters in Hodnet said in a social media post that the station was targeted at about 23:30 BST on Sunday.

The attackers forced their way into a fire engine and took Holmatro spreaders and rams, part of the system used to free road casualties.

The brigade said a passer-by disturbed the thieves and they escaped with a "few pieces" of equipment.

They praised colleagues who quickly replenished the missing items and cleaned up - as well as local residents for their kind reactions.

In February, thieves raided Newport fire station, 10 miles (16km) away, causing damage to the building and its fire engine..

In that incident, the vehicle was immobilised when burglars ripped out a thermal imaging camera, damaging the vehicle's electrics.

In a statement, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service appealed for help in catching the thieves.

"We are saddened that anyone would target a fire station and take valuable pieces of technology that are essential to helping people in the community in their time of need," it said.