A teenager was arrested after attempting to steal an ambulance vehicle which had been sent to deal with an emergency in Shropshire, it was revealed today.

A regional ambulance manager blasted the actions of the teenager, warning delays caused by similar incidents could put lives at risk.

The teenager has been bailed by police pending further inquiries after attempts were made to drive away a rapid response vehicle which had been called to an emergency in George Street, Whitchurch, just after midnight on Sunday.

Police were called to deal with the offender after the vehicle’s engine cut out and it came to rest after moving just a few feet.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service’s chief executive officer Anthony Marsh said: “We will always prosecute those who offend against our staff and our vehicles, or in any way prevent us from providing the best possible service to patients.

“People must realise ambulance resources are only there to help the public, and any disruption to our response capability could have fatal consequences for the next patient.”

Maria Hawkaluk, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: “We got called to an address in George Street, Whitchurch. There were reports that a male had allegedly attempted to steal an ambulance.

“He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. He was bailed pending further inquiries. He was in his late teens.”

Daphne Lewis, spokeswoman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, said there had not been any detrimental effect to the patient involved because an ambulance was on the scene.