A private ambulance firm has stepped in to make sure a leisure centre which lost its defibrillator to a theft is still equipped for emergency.

The defibrillator at New Road Sport and Leisure Centre in Belton was stolen this week after a suspect broke in overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

However, Rollesby-based ambulance firm Ikon Ambulance and Training Services has now devised a temporary fix for the centre - loaning them a defibrillator until the original one can be replaced.

Adam Wright, a paramedic for Ikon, said: “Following the theft we have provided a free loan defibrillator complete with adult and paediatric pads to replace the stolen unit.”

Peter Nichols, chairman of Belton and Browston Parish Council, said: “This is brilliant news and really surprising.

“You don’t often see companies loaning things free of charge, so it’s marvellous.”

Anybody with information regarding the break-in should contact Norfolk Police on 101.