Man running late for work moves ambulance on 999 call because it was blocking his path in Market Drayton
A man angry that an ambulance responding to an emergency was blocking his route to work got inside the vehicle and drove it away.
Ambulance crews were attending a call in Linden Way, Market Drayton, at about 6am when they were approached by a man who asked them to move their ambulance.
However after being told by staff that the ambulance would be moved in a few minutes, the man got into the ambulance and moved it himself.
Pc Mick Sturland, of West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team, said: "Our colleagues from the West Midlands Ambulance Service attended an address in Linden Way.
"Whilst there, a man has knocked on the address they were visiting and asked them to move their ambulance as it was blocking the road.
"The man was abusive to the paramedics and when told that they were attending to, and dealing with an emergency, he told them that his was an emergency as he was late for work.
"Not satisfied with the answer from the paramedic, that he would move the ambulance shortly, the man got into the ambulance and moved it himself.
"Clearly, this is a serious matter and the man will be located and dealt with for taking the ambulance without consent.
"We cannot have a position whereby people can think that it is right and normal to get into an emergency vehicle, which are often equipped with specialist equipment, to move it out of the way unless directed to by emergency services personnel.
"The paramedics were attending to a patient who had called them on an emergency.
"Needless to say, we'll support WMAS with a prosecution in this case."
Pc Sturland said the driver made off before police arrived but enquiries are ongoing.
He said the driver will be considered for prosecution.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has been asked to comment.
