THIEVES smashed an ambulance window and stole a mobile phone while it was responding to a 999 call.

The incident happened at about 2.40am on Sunday, when the rapid response vehicle was called to a house in Polefield Circle, Whitefield.

As the paramedics were inside the house, a thief smashed the ambulance's passenger-side window and grabbed a mobile phone.

Detective Rob Leacy, from Bury Police, said: “We believe this was an opportunist thief who saw that the ambulance was unattended and thought it would be an easy way to try to steal something.

“This mindless act had serious implications and forced the ambulance service to take one of their valuable vehicles off the road and unable to respond to further emergency calls.

“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident or knows who may be responsible to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161 8568031 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.