Police have renewed appeals for information after the theft of the ignition key from an ambulance service rapid response vehicle in the early hours of Sunday outside The Talbot Inn in Calne.

Ambulance services were called to the pub just before 1.30am after a 24-year-old man suffered a cut arm and was bleeding heavily.

But while the patient received treatment, a thief jumped into a rapid response vehicle and drove it 20 metres down the road before running off with the ignition key.

Sergeant Ben Huggins, of Calne Police, said: “Somebody in the town must know who was responsible; we are appealing for anybody with any information to get in touch.

“It is clearly an appalling act and we are pleased to hear the individual is recovering well.

“However, this incident had the potential to cause horrific ramifications if the ambulance had been required to attend another incident elsewhere.

“It’s a mindless act and we urgently need to locate the keys and the person responsible.

With the rapid response vehicle unavailable, a second ambulance was required to take the injured man to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

The manager of The Talbot Inn, Dan Scott, has also spoken of his disgust at the theft.

He was at the back of his pub with the injured man when paramedics were called.

He said: “I was disgusted by what happened and due to the incident our policies will now be reviewed and changes will be made in regards to any future entertainment and events held.

“That could have been life threatening what they did, I am genuinely disgusted.

“I just cannot believe it. It is no reflection on the Talbot.”

PC Mel Neal said: “This was a mindless act which could have resulted in an extremely serious incident for the patient being treated.

“The ambulance wasn’t in use for the rest of the night which could have put other people’s lives at risk too.”

The patient is believed to have cut his arm in an accident and the police are not investigating any assault. 

People have taken to the Calne Police Facebook page in droves to vilify the thief. The post has received more than 120 comments, most criticising his “mindless, selfish and moronic” actions. 

Sgt Huggins added: “There has been a lot of community backlash. There are a lot of unhappy people who think this is disgusting.

“Someone has got to know who is responsible. We ask that they come forward.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Neal at Chippenham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.