Football club in East Sussex loaned defibrillator after act of vandalism
SECAmb has loaned Buxted FC a new defibrillator after one kept at the club was destroyed by vandals in the early hours of Sunday morning (13th June)
An ambulance service, which covers Sussex, has come to the aid of a football club after its defibrillator was destroyed by vandals.
Buxted FC in Uckfield has been loaned the life-saving equipment by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) after two people were caught on CCTV in the early hours of Sunday morning (13th June), having broken into the box in which it was kept and smashed it.
The incident happened just hours after the same bit of kit was used on Danish footballer, Christian Eriksen, having suffered a cardiac arrest during his side's match against Finland in the Euro 2020 championship.
The NHS foundation trust says the club can keep the defibrillator for as long as it is needed to ensure the "community doesn't suffer."
In a statement on social media, the ambulance service said:
"Like many of you, we were shocked to hear about the damage to the defib at #BuxtedFC over the weekend.
"To ensure the community don't suffer, we've today loaned the club a defib for as long as it's needed."
A fundraising page has been set up in a bid to raise money to buy a new one for the club.
If you would like to make a donation, you can visit its GoFundMe page here.
Sussex Police has since arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the incident and remains in custody.
They added that enquiries were ongoing in relation to the second suspect.
In a statement, a spokesperson from Sussex Police said:
"Police investigating a report of a defibrillator being damaged and stolen by two suspects at Buxted Football Club in Uckfield have arrested a suspect.
"The incident is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Sunday morning (13 June).
"A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and remains in custody for questioning.
"Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the second suspect.
"Officers are aware of a video circulating on social media and would urge the public not to post speculative comments online while an investigation is ongoing.
"Anyone with information that may assist with enquiries is urged to report online or call 101, quoting 551 of 13/06."