Despicable thieves who stole life-saving equipment as paramedics battled to save a patient have been called "the lowest of the low".

The ambulance crew was called to a home in Scawfell Avenue, Workington, yesterday morning following reports a patient had suffered a cardiac arrest.

As paramedics gave CPR, a man was seen stealing a life support response bag from the back of their vehicle, at about 6.50am.

Police officers searched the area but did not find the thief or the bag, which contained equipment including oxygen, oxygen masks and equipment for opening patients' airways.

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Mike Heaslip, town and district councillor for St John's ward, condemned the incident.

He said: "This is just appalling and despicable. This is the lowest of the low. I can't believe anyone would do that.

"In a life-threatening situation, there could have been something the paramedics needed to save the person's life in that bag.

"I just hope we catch whoever did it."

Joe Holliday, also a ward councillor on the town and district council, said: "It's a terrible thing to do. It's unbelievable that anyone would do such a thing.

"I'm stuck for words. What did they expect to gain from it?"

The theft has also received widespread condemnation on the News & Star Facebook account since news of it emerged yesterday lunchtime, with readers calling for the public to help ensure the culprit is caught.

The ambulance service said the patient was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

Their condition has not been confirmed but police said the theft did not impact on their health.

Police are appealing to anyone with information or who may have witnessed the theft to call them on 101.