Defibrillators have been stolen from seven ambulances in a "disgraceful" overnight thieving spree.

Police are appealing for information after the life-saving equipment was swiped last night.

The vehicles were prised open and raided while they were parked at Thanet Ambulance Station in Haine Road, Ramsgate.

Police say thefts of defibrillators are on the rise across the county.

Detective Sergeant Simon Harrold of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said officers were pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

He said: "It appears that the thieves levered the back doors of the ambulances open to gain access to the defibrillators.

"Thefts like this put lives at risk because these ambulances cannot operate fully and provide an emergency service without these vital pieces of equipment."

Detectives believe the offenders would have needed a vehicle to transport the defibrillators as they are bulky items weighing around 10 kilos each.

"We are urging anyone with information about the thefts, or who saw suspicious activity in the area on Sunday night, to contact us," said Detective Sergeant Harrold.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who has seen or been offered second-hand defibrillators for sale."

Detective Sergeant Harrold added: "We urge organisations looking for second-hand defibrillators to always ask for the serial numbers first so they can check they are legitimate."

SECAmb operating unit manager for Thanet, Giovanni Mazza, said: "Following on from other thefts across our region in recent months, lives have once again been put at risk by this disgraceful act targeting vital life-saving equipment.

"We are working closely with police following the theft from Thanet and would urge anyone with any information whatsoever to come forward."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to phone police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 18-0166.