PARAMEDICS got back from a life-saving 999 call to find their cars had been stolen from the ambulance station.

The raiders smashed their way into Ramsbottom ambulance Station, ransacked lockers, snatched two sets of keys and took two cars.

A senior councillor and ambulance staff slammed the actions of ‘calculating and despicable’ thieves.

Paramedics Natalie Howard, 34, and Beverley Kirk, 54, have been left devastated.

Ms Howard said the black Volkswagen Golf she left in ‘secure’ parking behind the station belonged to best friend, Kate Bilsborrow, who bought it with inheritance money from her late father.

Ms Bilsborrow, 35, has been on crutches for six weeks and unable to drive and asked Ms Howard to drive the car for her to keep it in good working order.

Ms Howard said: “I couldn’t stop crying when I found out it was gone. I was so angry. I feel so guilty because it was Kate’s dream car which she bought with the money her dad left her. I’m absolutely devastated, we both are. We’ve been best friends for five years and it’s the hardest conversation I’ve ever had to have with her when I told her. I’m just lucky that we’re so close.”

Ms Howard’s bunch of keys which were stolen from her locker included her house key, leaving her locked out of her home and having to stay at Ms Bilsborrow’s house until her landlord returns from America.

Both paramedics have had to have the locks changed at their homes because of personal details in their cars and lockers which were taken in the burglary.

Ms Kirk’s grey Suzuki Grand Vitara was a gift from her sister for her 50th birthday.

She said: “I’m mortified. We did absolutely everything we could do to keep our cars secure. I love that car. It’s my pride and joy. For somebody to do that to us while we are out helping people is really upsetting.”

Jim Seymour, acting operational manager for Ramsbottom Ambulance Station, said: “I find it unbelievable that thieves have not only targeted an ambulance station, but have taken the two cars. The effect on the staff has been devastating and they will now have a struggle to commute to work.”

Ramsbottom councillor Ian Bevan said: “It’s despicable. I’m very disappointed at this calculated act of greed.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “At 4.45pm on Tuesday August 13, police were called to the ambulance station on Cemetery Road, Ramsbottom following reports of a burglary.

“Officers attended and found that the building had been broken into and keys were stolen for two cars parked outside. A black VW Golf and a grey Suzuki Grand Vitara were subsequently stolen.

“The theft is believed to have happened sometime between 1.30pm and 4.45pm.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police at Bury on 0161 856 8181.”