The robberies from the rapid response vehicles happened in separate incidents in Merseyside on Tuesday.

The offenders took a hand-held radio and mobile phone from one car at 1900 BST in Reeds Road, Huyton. This meant paramedics could not contact base.

And at 2045 BST in Florence Court, Walton, a satellite navigation screen was stolen.

The incidents are not believed to be related but Merseyside Police have been brought in to investigate.

'Mindless thugs'

Peter Tormey, director of service delivery at Mersey Regional Ambulance Service, said: "It's a sad world we live in when it comes to people stealing equipment that we need to save lives.

"These mindless thugs, and that's what they are in my opinion, have now taken two vehicles out of service for a period of time whilst we replace the equipment.

"Potentially, their reckless actions could put lives at risk. They cannot even get a lot of use out of what they stole."