Cruel vandals put lives at risk after damaging a community defibrillator

The defibrillator case outside Wemyss Bay Community Centre was kicked at several times, leaving it badly damaged.

The senseless crime, which happened at about 7.30pm on Saturday evening, is now being probed by police.

Beth MacLeod, chair ofhe Wemyss Bay Community Association, says it is fortunate that the device inside the protective casing is in full working order.

She said: "There is evidence that the box has been kicked at several times.

"As a result, it has become unsecured to the wall which will cost money to fix.

"As the seals were broken, the Largs first responders had to come and check it out.

"Fortunately, the defibrillator is still in full working order.

"I'm absolutely devastated about it - I'm gutted.

"I don't know who it was, it's senseless.

"The consequences of this could have been devastating."

Beth, a mum of three, unveiled the community defibrillator last year after local people rallied round to help her raise £1,300 for the device.

She said: "I fundraised for about 10 months by holding family fun days.

"So it's devastating that this has happened.

"The equipment is linked through the Scottish Ambulance centre.

"If there is a call-out, they know that there is a defibrillator there and can direct people there.

"But if it's broken then it could have devastating consequences."