Thief steals air ambulance paramedic's helmet from helicopter on 999 call out

A thief stole an air ambulance paramedic's helmet from beside a helicopter during a 999 emergency call out, it's been revealed.

Bosses at North West Air Ambulance Charity said its lifesaving crews were 'shocked and saddened' by what they called a 'mindless act'. Flight helmets - described as specialist and vital kit - enable crew members to speak to each other while in the air.

They are made to measure, moulded to fit the shape of the wearer's head, and cost more than £2,000 each, the charity revealed as it issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

READ MORE: Danny Darlington: Tributes to Manchester man and ex-MMU student 'murdered by Hamas terrorists' in Israel

READ MORE: Boxing champion Terence Crawford flies into Manchester to defend Brian McIntyre caught with gun in airport

The air ambulance crew were responding to a 999 call in Whitefield, near Bury, at 3.30 pm last Friday when the theft took place.

As they were preparing to attend to a patient, a group of youths on bikes rode past and took the flight helmet from beside the helicopter.

A statement from the North West Air Ambulance Charity said: "On Friday, October 6, a critical care paramedic from the North West Air Ambulance Charity had their flight helmet stolen.

"The flight helmets are specialist and vital pieces of equipment, importantly they allow crew members to communicate with each other when in the air. They are not only worn for communicating, but they provide vital safety to the person wearing them.

"Without the flight helmets, the charity’s pilots, doctors, and critical care paramedics cannot respond to emergency incidents in the helicopters as it is a mandatory safety feature.

"The flight helmets cost around £2,200 and are made