VANDALS who attacked an ambulance crew with stones last Thursday have been urged to think about the consequences of their actions.

The incident took place after the crew arrived at Woodford Lane at 1am to treat a male patient who the caller suggested had collapsed on the road.

Having arrived within five minutes of receiving the 999 call, the ambulance crew were unable to locate a casualty. As they continued to search the area they heard a noise at the side of the vehicle.

Assuming that they had driven over debris in the road, they continued to search for the patient. It was only after further noises were heard that it became apparent that stones were being thrown at the vehicle.

Police on the scene told the crew that youths from a nearby housing estate had been targeting emergency service vehicles throughout the night.

The ambulance escaped with minor damage to the vehicle, sustaining a number of dents to the bodywork.

Mike Moore, clinical manager for the Central and East Cheshire region of the ambulance service, explained: "Fortunately our vehicle wasn't seriously damaged, but the incident itself is of greater concern.

"Ourselves and all emergency services should not be used as targets for such futile behaviour.

"It is our job to attend individuals who require emergency medical care - hindering our ability to reach an incident or indeed making calls for patients that do not need help, wastes time and puts the lives of others at risk.

"Damage to a vehicle or member of the crew could delay or even prevent us from reaching another incident.

"That incident could be a relative of one of the youngsters who caused the damage. The question is - how would they feel if we were unable to treat them?"

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk