On-call ambulance attacked with bricks

Bricks thrown at on-call rapid response vehicle in Tilehurst

AN ambulance was attacked with bricks while en route to a patient during a night of trouble across Thames Valley on Tuesday (9).

A South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) NHS Trust rapid response vehicle (RRV) had bricks hurled at it “out of nowhere” near Tilehurst train station in Oxford Road while on the way to a assist a patient at around 11.45pm.

Thames Valley Police said two bricks had been thrown at the vehicle, which did not stop.

A spokeswoman for SCAS, Michelle Ullat, said: “Fortunately the staff member was not injured and the vehicle was not damaged, however acts of this nature puts the lives of our staff in danger and this can not be tolerated.”

Ambulance technician Neale Marney, who volunteers with the West Berkshire Rapid Response Car, said those responsible should be made to feel the full force of the law.

“I think it is absolutely despicable that people feel the need to attack a vehicle clearly marked as an ambulance,” he said.

“It's sad and frankly sickening.

“It doesn't frighten me or stop me from going out but with what has been going on in the last few days we do have to be more vigilant. We shouldn't be put off by this and let it stop doing our jobs but we do have to be more aware.

“Like the Prime Minister said, if they are old enough to do the crime they should take proper punishment, that way it would stop them from doing it again.”

Mark Ainsworth, Divisional Director for SCAS added: “We are shocked and disappointed by the actions of some people on Tuesday.

“These acts of vandalism are unnecessary and their behaviour is intolerable. We are relieved that no one was injured, but any act that threatens the lives of our patients or staff are taken very seriously.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 0845 850 5 505 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.