A VANDAL attack on an ambulance in New Cumnock has been condemned by a local politician this week.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Adam Ingram branded the attack on an ambulance attending an emergency as ‘vile’.

Police are appealing for information after the brainless attack on an ambulance that was attending an emergency call with its blue lights and siren activated. A rock was lobbed at the windscreen at around 1pm on Thursday August 20 in Afton Bridgend, near to the Health Clinic.

Cops are now searching for the male that threw the rock and caused damage to the windscreen before he ran off in the direction of Dalhanna Drive. He is described as being between 14 to 16 years of age, dark brown hair in a quiff style, slim build wearing a red top with three stripes, blue t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms.

Commenting on the incident, Mr Ingram said: “Our ambulance crews are dedicated individuals and every action must be taken to stamp out senseless, vile attacks on them. This particular assault could have had very serious consequences for both the crew members and the patient. Paramedics work at times in very dangerous conditions and they should never be subject to mindless attacks making already difficult situations even harder.” A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman added: “It is impossible to understand why anyone would throw a missile at an ambulance, putting the lives of crews and patients at risk. Assaults of any kind on ambulance staff are totally unacceptable. Our frontline teams deserve respect for the difficult and challenging job they do, delivering care 24/7, often in extreme situations.

“Ambulance staff are also subjected to verbal and physical abuse from the public on an almost daily basis while trying to help people and in the majority of these cases alcohol is a key factor. Assaults or threatening behaviour are reported to the police.” Anyone with information is being urged to contact PC Worn at Cumnock Police office on 101.