BURGLARS ransacked an ambulance station — while paramedics were out responding to 999 calls.

The men stole keys to a new £100,000 ambulance and keys to two other vehicles, smashed a payphone and then made off in a staff member’s car.

The break-in happened in the early hours of Thursday at Bolton North Ambulance Station in Shoreswood, Sharples. The burglars got in through a kitchen window.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said the “appalling act” had put lives at risk.

Greater Manchester area director, Delwyn Wray, said: “Mindless acts like this have a real effect on the care of people in our community.

“This is an appalling act, which took place while ambulance crews were out saving lives.

“We have a new vehicle for Bolton, worth more than £100,000, which had to be taken off the road and the people of Bolton will not see the benefit of this state-of-the-art vehicle in the near future.

“People committing these offences should be aware that they are potentially putting lives at risk.”

The stolen Toyota Yaris was later recovered but the three sets of keys are still missing.

All three vehicles have now been taken off the road to undergo lock replacements — at a cost of more than £1,000.

Police are still appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen keys.

Inspector Barry Short, of Bolton Police, said: “These opportunist thieves have targeted people who are doing some of the most important work in our community and it is despicable that vital services have been adversely affected.

“I would like to reassure residents we will take robust action against those responsible and we have local officers providing crime prevention advice.”

A 39-year-old man and a 32-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft.

They remain in custody for questioning.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.