THE Yorkshire Air Ambulance has said it is "appalled" by the theft of a flight helmet costing £2,700 from its helicopter in Shipley last night.

A helmet was taken from the helicopter as it attended a 999 call in the West Royd area of Shipley.

The incident prompted universal outrage and disgust on social media, and the life-saving charity has commented on the theft, which is being investigated by police.

The piece of equipment will have to be replaced as it is too badly damaged, the charity said.

Abby Barmby, director of marketing and communications at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said:“We were appalled to hear that one of our valuable flight helmets was stolen from the back of our helicopter whilst our crew were responding to an emergency 999 call last night in Shipley.

"We understand that a group of youths were involved, and cannot comprehend why they felt it necessary to take such a vital piece of our equipment. 

"Our flight helmets are specialist and vital pieces of equipment all our crews wear in flight.

"Not only are they worn for protection and safety purposes, they are also worn so the crews can communicate with each other in flight.

"Each helmet is bespoke to our crew members and cost in the region of £2,700.

"Unfortunately it looks like there has been too much damage done to this helmet and it will now need replacing.

"As an independent charity who relies on charitable donations to help fund our vital work, having to replace costly items of equipment that have been unnecessarily damaged for no justifiable reason is extremely disheartening.

"We would however like to thank the kind people in Shipley that managed to locate the helmet and return it to the crew, and also to West Yorkshire Police who have been of great assistance.”

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said: "I am distressed to hear about this.

"It is completely and utterly unacceptable. What on earth is going through the minds of these morons who do things like this?

"It beggars belief, what motivates these people I cannot understand.

"To target something as wonderful as the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which does such fantastic work; these mindless morons are beyond the pale.

"I hope the police will identify those responsible and bring them to justice."

Anyone who has any information about this crime is urged to call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 13190405939, use the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website, or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.