STAFF at the county's ambulance service have been left "shocked and appalled" after thieves snatched the blue emergency lights from one of its vehicles.

The portable blue flashing lights - used during 999 call-outs - were taken after thieves smashed the two off-side windows of the VW Golf GT.

It was parked at Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Trust's headquarters at Bransford, Worcester, when the incident occurred between 1.30pm and 2.05pm on Tuesday. A satellite navigation system and two fixed blue lights - mounted in the front grill of the car - were also stolen.

Chief executive of the Trust, Russell Hamilton, said: "We are shocked and appalled that someone would steal this equipment.

"This car is used to respond to people who call us with life-threatening conditions, and the blue lights and navigation equipment are vital to ensure its driver reaches patients quickly.

"In taking this equipment they have potentially prevented us responding to emergencies. We condemn the culprits strongly."

Two youths were seen in the area at the time of the theft in a new-looking charcoal grey Volvo V40.

There were though to have been wearing green fluorescent jackets.

One of the men was white and one black.

Anyone with any information should call police on 08457 444888, quoting 358S/310106.