THE destruction of a defibrillator by vandals has quite rightly been branded a mindless attack.

The lifesaving piece of equipment was purchased after a series of community fundraising events in Read and Simonstone.

But this week, yobs have attacked it rendering it unusable.

The chairman of the parish council has condemned those responsible for their actions.

She has said that these people have no respect at all for the village.

The defibrillator is for use for anyone who has had a heart attack, it works by giving a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to get someone’s heart starting again.

But now villages have been left at risk because of the damage.

Many fundraising efforts were inspired by the story of former Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba, who was revived by medics after his heart stopped during an FA Cup match in 2012.

This particular piece of equipment was purchased in memory of a local woman adding to its significance.

Calls have now been made for anyone with information about the attack to come forward to police.

Those responsible should not remain unpunished.