VANDALS who smashed a Newport community defibrillator are being hunted by police.
CCTV is being studied to identify who ripped the life-saving heart machine off the wall of the Downside Community Centre's Isobel Cafe, stamped on it and threw it over a fence.
The life-threatening vandalism on Wednesday left those at the community centre "absolutely devastated" and determined to raise the more than £1,100 needed for a replacement as soon as possible.
Isobel Cafe manager, Gayna Ryan, said: "Pan is a big area and this vandalism means that the nearest defibrillator is now at Morrison's.
"That means that anyone who suffers a heart attack is at real risk of dying because time is of the essence.
"There is a real sense of community at Pan and we are absolutely devastated that someone could do this.
"I urge anyone who knows anything about who is responsible to go to the police or give information via the Crimestoppers confidential number 0800 555111."
The defibrillator is owned and maintained by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service.