A 31-year-old man has been arrested after an ambulance carrying a patient and paramedic was allegedly stolen outside Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The incident happened at around 8:15pm, triggering a major police response. Staffordshire Police quickly launched an urgent operation, deploying dog handlers and aerial support to track down the stolen emergency vehicle.
At the time of the theft, a paramedic, a patient, and another individual were inside the ambulance. Officers later located the vehicle and followed it to a petrol station along the A34 near Chesterton.
The suspect reportedly tried to escape on foot after stopping the vehicle but was tracked and apprehended in nearby marshland with the help of a police dog.
The man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, vehicle theft, drink driving, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Authorities confirmed that no one inside the ambulance was injured during the incident. Police have also urged anyone with additional information to come forward as enquiries remain ongoing.
