A PUB landlady has said her husband’s life could have been put at risk when an opportunist thief targeted the ambulance she called out to help him.

Doris Sibthorpe, owner of the Happy Return in East Street, Chard, was disgusted when she found out someone had raided the unattended vehicle while paramedics were inside treating her husband, Geoff.

She said: “It’s just despicable. The whole of Chard should be made aware of this.

“People are doing this to ambulance drivers who are working to save people’s lives.

“It’s as bad as stealing from the dead in my eyes.”

The ambulance was just ten yards from the pub when the thief entered the cab and stole the paramedic’s personal property, including a black rucksack and bum bag, at 6pm on Saturday.

The rucksack, which was dumped in a hedge nearby, was found by a member of the public who told a PCSO.

The bum bag and other items, including a pair of Rayban sunglasses and a pocket knife, are still missing.

Sgt Paul Hayward said: “When this thief took the items they would have been in no doubt that a paramedic was busy inside helping someone in need.

“Knowing this and still committing the theft is an appalling and inexcusable action.

“They should feel ashamed of themselves, and I hope they will think about their actions and get in touch with us.”

Doris said it was worrying to think the incident, which she said upset the paramedic, could have jeopardised her husband’s care.

“They could have stolen anything,” she said.

“My husband was in agony – he couldn’tmove. It turnedout tobe a slippeddisc which was pushing on his nerve, but I didn’t know what was wrong at the time – it could have been life-threatening.

“He was in such pain he needed morphine.

“It’s hard enough for the medical crew who see life and death situations every day.

“It’s a disgrace in this day and age that humans stoop so low.”

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call Avon and Somerset Police on 101.