LIFE saving equipment has been stolen from a church hall near Caernarfon in a "despicable act".

The defibrillator was taken for the Old Church Hall in Groeslon on Thursday, May 7.

The theft was discovered after a resident sought the use of the machine to treat a patient.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses after a life-saving defibrillator was stolen from outside the Old Church Hall in Groeslon.

"The incident was reported to us and we are now investigating this despicable act.

"The community of Groeslon recently carried out their own fundraising to purchase the life saving machine to be accessible in the village. It is deplorable that someone should take it.

"Due to Covid-19 the building has not been used, however yesterday, a resident was in need of the machine but it was discovered that it had been stolen.

"However thankfully, colleagues from Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust arrived at the scene and took care of the patient.

"It is believed the defib may have been stolen anytime over the last six weeks since the beginning of the Covid restrictions and we are appealing to anybody who may have information to contact us. Someone somewhere must know who is responsible.

"Anybody with information should contact us on 101 or via our website quoting reference number Y064464. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."