PARAMEDICS who were treating a wounded patient were left stunned when an impatient motorist hopped into the ambulance and moved it, it was revealed today.

The crew were called to a medical emergency when a man, frustrated their ambulance was blocking a parking space, took things into his own hands.

While they were treating the patient, the man hopped into the cab and released the handbrake, jolting the patient at the back, so he could park his red Mini Cooper in the parking bay.

Police officers investigating the shocking event said the patient could have suffered "very serious consequences" and revealed they are hunting the man responsible.

A police spokesman said: "While ambulance staff were treating a patient in the rear of the ambulance, an offender got into the cab of the vehicle, removed the handbrake and moved the ambulance.

"The sudden movement of the ambulance caused distress and discomfort to the patient who was being treated at the time."

After moving the ambulance, the offender got back into his car, registration starting RJ60, and moved it into the vacant parking spot in Malt Court, Pelican Lane, Newbury.

He was described by witnesses as white and around 50 years old, with sandy or grey messy hair and was wearing a dark khaki jacket, light blue jeans and suede boots.

Police constable Nick Easner, investigation the incident on Thursday December 29, added: "There was no communication between the offender and the ambulance crew prior to the ambulance being moved.

“The offender moved the ambulance in order to free up a parking space for himself, without considering if anyone was receiving treatment at the time.

“His actions could have had very serious consequences for the patient, who was receiving emergency care.

“There were other members of the public in the area at the time of the incident, and I am appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and contact the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101.”