Lifesaving cutting equipment worth £13,000 has been stolen from coastal firefighters.

The heavy duty hydraulic equipment, nicknamed the "jaws of life", was stolen from Frinton's retained station.

It is the third time this type of specialist equipment, used to free crash victims, has been taken in raids on north Essex stations in recent months.

Both Colchester and Leigh suffered similar break-ins at the end of last year, and other emergency services in London and Cambridge have suffered similar thefts in the past 12 months.

Frinton's retained men, based in Pole Barn Lane, were only issued with the Holmatro cutting gear in the past few weeks.

Station Officer Mark Oxley has condemned the thieves as "mindless".

"It is disgusting to think that someone would break into a fire station and steal equipment which we have solely to provide protection to the public.

"It is completely mindless for someone to steal from a service which is dedicated to saving lives."

  • Police want anyone with information to ring 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.