HUNDREDS of residents have leaped to the defence of an air ambulance service after an angry resident complained about them flying over houses at 4am.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) service were delighted to see the public support after they shared a screenshot of an angry message they received from a resident who was woken up by an air ambulance flying over their house early morning.

The complaint read: “Can you explain why you decided to fly at 1750 ft from St Mary's Hospital to Southampton General Hospital at 4am over residential properties - waking occupants. Inconsiderate I think, will NO longer be donating to your cause.”

Along with the screenshot, the HIOWAA Facebook account wrote: “We always try our best to be there for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but messages like this one we received over the weekend can really affect our team’s morale. We are sorry if the helicopter wakes people up at night. It is not our intention to disrupt your evening, but rather save someone's life.”

Calling the complaint an “absolute joke”, hundreds of social media users defended the ambulance service and added the HIOWAA is doing a great job.

One person wrote: “I’m shocked at how unbelievable some people are.

“Let’s hope they never need your service or one of their loved ones. You can fly over ours at anytime. No one ever knows when they may need your help.

“We are forever grateful as you gave us precious time to be with our son before he sadly passed suddenly. I always pray for the ones when I see you fly over, but it also always makes me sad too.

“Thank you again I will always support and carry on donating each month.”

Another resident wrote: “I do not normally comment on FB but felt I needed to on this occasion. What a very disappointing message sent to you. I wonder if the sentiments would have been similar if they or someone they loved had been in need of the emergency transport? You all do an amazing job and are very much appreciated by the majority, regardless of time or route taken! Take care, stay safe.”

The HIOWAA Facebook account thanked the people who supported them and said they were “genuinely overwhelmed” by the kind replies.

“We always knew this, but it's pretty clear to everyone now that we have the BEST supporters. Thank you so much for your kind words. You've cheered us up immensely.

“Sadly this isn't the first time we've had a complaint like this and it probably won't be our last, but it's reassuring to know you are there for us. Visit our website to see how you can support us this Christmas.”