Ambulance Stolen from Staffordshire Hospital with Patient Inside
A major police operation was launched in Staffordshire after an ambulance was stolen from outside Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent, with reports indicating a patient was inside at the time. The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 PM on March 25, 2026, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Details of the Theft and Arrest
According to Staffordshire Police, a man entered the ambulance while it was parked at the hospital and drove away. A paramedic, a patient, and another individual were in the back of the vehicle when it was taken. Authorities confirmed that no keys had been left in the ambulance, raising questions about how the theft was carried out.
Quick-thinking police officers located the ambulance and followed it until it stopped at an Esso petrol station on the A34, near the junction of Liverpool Road and London Road in Chesterton. A police dog and handler were deployed to assist in the search, which extended to marshland off London Road.
The suspect attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by a police dog. A 31-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of multiple offences, including kidnap, vehicle theft, drink driving, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He is currently in custody and will be questioned by police.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, no one from inside the ambulance sustained any injuries during the incident. A police spokeswoman stated, "He will be questioned in custody today. No one from inside the ambulance was injured." The investigation is ongoing, and witnesses are urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 743 of March 25.
This alarming event has highlighted concerns about security at healthcare facilities and the safety of emergency service vehicles. The use of a police plane and dog unit underscored the seriousness of the response, with authorities working diligently to resolve the situation without harm to those involved.
