A LIFE-SAVING piece of equipment has been stolen in a "heinous" crime against a village.

Wilpshire residents have lost access to their community public access defibrillator, after the vital device was broken into and stolen.

The Blackburn-based device, which was attached to the wall of Right at Home, a care service based on Whalley Road, was paid for by the local community, who banded together to raise the £1,500 cost.

Community resuscitation manager for Cumbria and Lancashire, Cheryl Pickstock said: “We are appalled by this heinous crime. The defibrillator being out of action really could mean the difference between life and death and the fact that it has been damaged and the defibrillator stolen is soul destroying.

“It costs a community approximately £1,500 to purchase and place a public access defibrillator but the cost of lives that could potentially be saved is immeasurable. In the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute a defibrillator is not used can reduce someone’s chance of survival by 10%.

“The community will now sadly have to once more rely on the generosity of local fundraisers to assist with the replacement of this device. If any local businesses or organisations would like to contribute to the cost of the replacement they can get in touch via email.”

If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, suddenly falling unconscious and stopping breathing, every second counts.

NHS guidance says patients have a significantly higher chance of survival if someone nearby dials 999, starts CPR, and is able to access a public access defibrillator before the ambulance arrives.

These devices have been strategically placed in cabinets at various locations, allowing dispatchers to inform people of the location and operating instructions of their nearest defibrillator in an emergency.

The theft and damage has been reported to the police, and any information about the crime can be reported to them via 101.

If you think you can help with the cost, email chain.survival@nwas.nhs.uk.