Fireworks, knives and microwaves used to attack ambulances, investigation finds

Regular attacks on ambulances are "consciously inhibiting" the ability of paramedics to do their jobs, it has been claimed. 

More than 200 incidents of vandalism have been reported between 2015 and October this year, according to a freedom of information request by the BBC.

Over the past three years, fireworks, scooters, bricks, knives and metal poles have been used to cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to ambulances and rapid response vehicles. 

In London, one of the 26 logged instances involved a microwave being thrown at an ambulance. 

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman told the BBC: "It's absolutely unacceptable for anyone to deliberately damage emergency service vehicles or other essential kit.

"They are consciously inhibiting the ability of our enormously hardworking and dedicated paramedics to do their jobs, and it risks taking ambulances off the road."

Every NHS ambulance trust in the UK was approached for responses and 13 of the 14 handed over their data, which showed the West Midlands as the worst-affected area with 36 incidents, followed by Yorkshire with 29, London with 26 and the North West with 24. 

Pictures emerged in the summer of football fans jumping up and down on an emergency response vehicle in the aftermath of England's win over Sweden in the World Cup.