March 26, (THEWILL) — A swift and coordinated emergency response averted tragedy after an ambulance carrying a patient was stolen outside a hospital, with authorities confirming that all occupants were safely rescued without injury.
The incident occurred at about 20:15 GMT on Wednesday at Royal Stoke Hospital, where the ambulance was taken while a patient, a paramedic, and another individual were still inside. Despite the alarming development, emergency services acted quickly to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
According to Staffordshire Police, officers immediately tracked the stolen vehicle as it moved through the area, maintaining close surveillance to prevent harm.
The pursuit came to an end at an Esso petrol station along the A34, at the junction of Liverpool Road and London Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where the suspect brought the vehicle to a stop.
In a further display of professionalism, a police dog unit was deployed to comb nearby marshland after the suspect attempted to flee on foot. The man was swiftly apprehended after being tracked down by the canine team, bringing the situation under full control.
Police confirmed the arrest of a 31-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent on suspicion of kidnap, vehicle theft, drink driving, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He remained in custody as of Thursday while investigations continued.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service promptly dispatched a second ambulance to ensure the patient’s journey to the hospital continued without delay. The welfare of the paramedic involved was also assessed, highlighting the service’s commitment to staff wellbeing.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service said a full investigation is underway in collaboration with the police to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and to prevent a recurrence.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward as inquiries progress.
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