COMMUNITY spirit has been hailed after the callous theft of items from an ambulance while paramedics dealt with an emergency.

The foul theft happened in Shakespeare Road, Popley, on Thursday at around 5.30pm with a navy blue Cath Kidson handbag with cream polka dots stolen, along with three pairs of Rayban sunglasses, work ID, a sets of keys, a paramedic handbook, two epi-pens and an iPhone charger snatched.

The thief even made off with lunch the paramedic crew had stored for their shift.

However, a JustGiving page set up in the wake of the theft has seen more than £1,000 raised for South Central Ambulance Charity.

Meanwhile, Basingstoke police posted an update on Facebook last night, saying Cath Kidson is sending one of the crew member's a replacement bag and an iPhone charger was also donated.

The update from Sergeant Trevor Taylor read: "I would like to take the opportunity of thanking you all for the amazing community spirit which you have all shown regarding the theft from the ambulance. While our investigation continues many great acts and spirit have been shown by you all.

"From the kind JustGiving page, an offer sent in of a new charger to the fact that Cath Kidston are sending the paramedic a brand new bag.

"Basingstoke is a very safe place to live and quite clearly full of amazing people who pull together as a great community should when it counts."

Due to the vehicle's radio also being damaged as the thief attempted to steal the item too, the ambulance had to be taken off the road.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/apologiesfrombasingstoke.