Defibrillator vandals 'putting lives at risk'

Lives are being put at risk by people who steal and vandalise defibrillators, a council has said.

Hull City Council said damage caused to a defibrillator cabinet in the city's Pickering Park last week meant the equipment was currently unusable.

Thieves also stole a bleed kit, which is used to stem the flow of significant bleeding, the authority said.

Councillor Ted Dolman, portfolio holder for communities and community safety, described the latest incident as "extremely disappointing".

"Once again, we've seen completely mindless vandalism that has rendered a piece of life-saving equipment unusable," he said.

"We want to ensure that when people walk out their doors they feel safe and, in this case, reassured that should the unthinkable happen, and they need to use a defibrillator, it is there for them.

"It's the same story with the bleed kit. This is the second time one has gone from there recently and, again, this could be the difference between life and death."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the park rangers via social media, or Humberside Police via the 101-non emergency number.

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