Hunt for thief who smashed ambulance window in London and stole backpacks

Police are on the hunt for a man who smashed the window of a locked ambulance and stole backpacks belonging to paramedics while they were treating a patient.

Hunt for thief who smashed ambulance window in London and stole backpacks

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) said the theft occurred while the crew were inside the patient's home in Sandridge Close, Harrow, at about 5pm on 6 May.

The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation, with LAS releasing footage of the incident captured by the ambulance's CCTV in a bid to identify the culprit.

The man is said to have walked around checking the doors before throwing a "missile" at the window, jumping headfirst through the opening and grabbing two rucksacks belonging to paramedics before making off.

LAS acting chief executive Dr Fenella Wrigley said: "Our ambulance crew were responding to an emergency and while helping their patient, a thief has stolen their bags and damaged an ambulance.

"To deliberately target our crew in this way is appalling and they are understandably extremely upset.

"The damage caused to the ambulance means it is now off the road being repaired, unable to respond to patients. The money to repair the damage would be better spent on caring for our patients.

"We will not tolerate attacks on our staff or our vehicles and would urge the public to contact the police if they have any information."

The Met Police confirmed it was investigating the theft and urged all those with information to contact the force or Crimestoppers.

-SKY NEWS