A VITAL piece of life-saving equipment has been vandalised for the second time, leading to Witham’s MP branding the incident as "appalling".

A defibrillator unit based at the Templar’s Estate, in Shaw Road, has been vandalised, with yobs smashing the unit’s glass window last week.

The medical device can be used in emergencies to provide an electric charge which helps restore a normal heartbeat.

It was first installed in the estate in 2021 after Witham resident Louise Spikings approached the Templars Community Association with the idea.

Braintree and Witham Times: Important kit - Resident Louise Spikings and Templars Community Association member Steve Marshall with the unit in 2021Important kit - Resident Louise Spikings and Templars Community Association member Steve Marshall with the unit in 2021 (Image: Public)

The association was able to secure £1,000 worth of funding from Eastlight Residents Group South and £750 from Braintree Council to buy the equipment.

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel has now met with the association and Essex Police to hold talks.

Dame Priti said: “It is appalling and beyond comprehension why anyone would want to damage such vital life-saving equipment.

"After learning that the defib was vandalised for a second time, I was keen to meet with the community association and for Essex Police to also attend. 

“During my time as Home Secretary, tackling anti-social behaviour was a core focus, with a part of this ensuring the police had the resources they need through the Safer Streets Fund.

“I am calling on Essex Police to step up patrols in the area in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

Braintree and Witham Times: Planning - Dame Priti Patel with Essex Police Officers discussing the defibrillator unit Planning - Dame Priti Patel with Essex Police Officers discussing the defibrillator unit (Image: MP Dame Priti Patel)

“I will continue to work with Louise and Steve from the community association to ensure that residents feel safe, life-saving medical equipment is protected and that criminals who perpetuate these crimes are sought out and prosecuted.” 

During the meeting, Dame Priti, the association, and Essex Police discussed how the defibrillator can be better protected, CCTV equipment and the need to reassure residents.

There have been reports of antisocial behaviour on Templar’s Estate and the defibrillator was previously vandalised in 2022.

After the device was attacked the first time, a replacement had to be funded by the community which was aided by a donation from Sanctuary Housing, the developer of the site on Conrad Road.

Essex Police is investigating the incident.