An important piece of medical equipment was stolen from Woodford Underground Station last Wednesday.

The defibrillator, a piece of equipment used to send an electric current to the heart in the event of cardiac arrest, is believed to have been provided by the London Ambulance Service and Woodford is one of 26 Central line stations to have one.

Passengers using the station were made aware of the theft by a sign within the station, and the British Transport Police are now investigating.

Chris Taggart, general manager for the Central line, said: “Sadly the defibrillator at Woodford Tube station has been stolen. We are reviewing our CCTV footage at the station and working closely with the British Transport Police to recover this vital piece of life-saving equipment.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: “I can confirm we are investigating the theft of a defibrillator from Woodford London Underground station at around 1am on Wednesday, 6 April.

“The theft of such a vital piece of equipment is obviously a matter of great concern.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”