Life-saving equipment used by emergency services has been damaged in a fire in North Tyneside.
The equipment belonged to 4x4 Response North East, which is a non-profit group of volunteers who provide vehicle and driver assistance to the emergency services and local authorities in diverse weather conditions and on difficult terrain.
The group has been operating in the North East for over 10 years is now made up of a team of around 20 responders who are available day and night and are fully trained in driving, navigation and first aid.
Read more: Woman rescued from River Tyne using new safety throw bags installed on Newcastle's Quayside
But now some of their vital equipment, which included life-saving defibrillators, was damaged in a fire near their site on Billy Mill Lane, in North Shields.
Paul Ellison, spokesman for 4x4 Response North East, said: "We're heartbroken that this damage has occurred. It takes a long time to accrue the funds to buy this equipment, for us to then try and get that replaced.
"It means that we can't effectively do what we do for the time being.
"Although we have personal equipment, all the safety, critical, stuff that we use was there so it does have an impact on how we operate."
4x4 Response North East say they are unsure of when the fire occurred and only became aware of the incident on Wednesday evening when they were informed by a member of Tynemouth and District Motor Club.
It's currently unknown what the cost of the damage is as volunteers plan to head to the unit on Saturday to assess all of the equipment and see what is salvageable. And the volunteers are determined to carry on.
Paul added: "We'll carry on as we normally do and be available to provide support to the local community, but obviously it will take time for us to replace the lost equipment to allow us to function as a unit."
Read next:
Ponteland fine dining restaurant rebrands in hope of becoming more 'approachable'
Former Middlesbrough and England footballer opens the new home of Guide Dogs Newcastle
Neighbours concerned potential children's home on street in Ryton could bring down house prices
Alnwick Castle to host screening of King Charles' coronation
Gateshead deli owner 'receives threats' following suspected arson attack on food van
