THIEVES stole life-saving equipment after breaking into a north Hampshire fire station.

The break-in at Kingsclere fire station, in George Street, Kingsclere, took place between 4pm on Friday, September 11 and 1pm on Saturday, September 12.

They stole vital cutting tools used by firefighters to free people from vehicles involved in crashes.

Station manager Damian Watts said: "This equipment is incredibly important for us to respond and we cannot do our job without it which puts lives at risk.

"Thanks to our robust contingency plans we were able to work rapidly and replace these vital items of equipment to ensure that Kingsclere fire station was able to respond to 999 calls if required."

Hampshire Constabulary is investigating the burglary, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was working closely with the police force in its investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting 44150316769, or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.