Fuel and the electric pump for the generator that heats the marquee at Bridport Medical Centre during the Covid vaccination clinics has been stolen.

A vaccination clinic for the over 80s to receive their second vaccine was held yesterday at the medical centre, but the theft meant the team risked not being able to heat the marquee for the patients.

A spokesman for Bridport Medical Centre said: "The vaccinating team were shocked to discover that our fuel browser, supplying fuel for the marquee generator, had been broken into overnight.

"Fuel had been taken and the electric pump stolen. The hose had been removed, resulting in us not being able to refuel our generator.

"We hosted a vaccination clinic for our over 80-year-old patients, returning for their second vaccination. We risked not being able to heat the marquee, needed to keep our most vulnerable community members warm.

"If anyone has information that may assist the police, please do get in contact with the surgery.

"The only dampener on an otherwise wonderful day vaccinating."

It was fixed by Brett from Wizard Marquees.

Dorset Police received the report that between 4pm on Tuesday, March 16 and 7am on Wednesday, March 17 the items were stolen.

Inspector Darren Stanton, of West Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "It is disappointing to see a facility that is providing a hugely valuable community service as part of the fight against Covid-19 to be targeted in this way.

"I would urge anyone with information about who is responsible, or anybody who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night of Tuesday 16 March 2021, to please contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55210042717.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

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