AUTHORITIES have condemned an attack on an ambulance in Bridport.

Now people in the town are being urged to come forward to help identify those responsible.

Graffiti including the word 'Liar' was sprayed on the vehicle in what has been described as an 'appalling and mindless act of vandalism'.

Dorset Police are investigating criminal damage to the ambulance that was parked up in Corbin Way, Bradpole. The police are working with the town council to tackle anti-social behaviour in Bridport.

Bridport Town Clerk Will Austin said: “This is an appalling and mindless act of vandalism, and we need to find out who did it – not so that we can criminalise them, but so that we can ensure they understand the implications of what they have done.

"This ambulance will doubtless have had to be taken out of commission while the graffiti was removed, meaning we have one fewer ambulance available locally for that time. Someone has put lives at risk and I’d urge anyone with information to contact Dorset Police."

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We received a report at 9am on Sunday February 27 of criminal damage involving graffiti sprayed on an ambulance that was parked in Corbin Way in Bridport between 10pm on Saturday, February 26, and 7am on Sunday, February 27.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time."

The spokesman added: “We are committed to working with our partners, including Bridport Town Council, to tackle anti-social behaviour in the local area and would encourage anyone who encounters and such behaviour to please report it to police.

“These reports help us to build an intelligence picture across the area to find out where anti-social behaviour is occurring and to direct patrols to any areas that have increased reporting of antisocial behaviour.”

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “Sadly, one of our ambulances was defaced in Bridport at the weekend.

"This anti-social behaviour is unacceptable, and rectifying the damage puts an unnecessary burden on NHS resourcing at a time when it is needed the most. This ambulance was back on the road very promptly, thanks to the hard work of our colleagues.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occccurrence number 55220032796.