18 March 2009
A paramedic has been attacked after he disturbed thieves
trying to steal drugs from an ambulance station.
The paramedic was hit over the head with a fire extinguisher,
punched and kicked during the burglary at Pinner Ambulance Station,
Harrow.
Police are now searching for four men in
connection with the assault which happened at approximately 1:30am
on Saturday (14 March).
The staff member, who is a team leader at the
station, does not wish to be named. He said: “I was on my break at
the station and as I walked into the garage four men sprung up from
behind one of the cars and just came at me.
“They ran straight at me, throwing punches and
kicking me as I tried to fend them off. Then I felt an almighty
thump on the back of my head from a fire extinguisher. I was dazed
and was stumbling around which gave the men the chance to run
away.
“The whole thing lasted not more than two
minutes, it was all over before I knew it.
“Afterwards, I was fuming. Then I found a
slash on my forearm and saw the slit through my shirt with a wound
on my stomach – it transpired later that a knife with blood on it
was found outside the station – I realised then how lucky I had
been.
“When you are at your ambulance station you
just don’t expect anything like this to happen. I’ve been doing
this job for 19 years and have never been assaulted like this.”
Following the attack the paramedic was taken
to Northwick Park hospital for a check-up.
Ambulance Operations Manager for Pinner Sean
Brinicombe said: “We are doing everything we can to support him
through this and to aid the police in pursuing a prosecution.
“I am shocked that people would sink so low as
to steal from an ambulance station and attack a paramedic in the
process.
“Thankfully he is okay, but this incident
could have been a lot worse. Our staff shouldn’t have to work in
fear of attack, especially from the very community they are trying
to serve.”
- Ends -
Notes to editors:
- For further information about the London
Ambulance Service or this news release please contact the
Communications Department on 020 7921 5113.
- A high-resolution version of the picture
shown is available on request
- During 2007/08, there was an average of
almost two physical assaults against our staff every day in
London.
- This number has increased from 397 in 2006/07
to 673 in 2007/08. It is thought that a combination of our staff
being strongly encouraged to report incidents, as well as the
change to the definition of physical assault have led to this
increase.