The Newsar team in action on Moel Famau. Photo: Newsar

A mountain rescue team has warned lives may be put at risk following the theft of vital gear from one of its doctors.

North East Wales Search and Rescue team member Dr Tom Beach had his vehicle broken into and a rucksack containing his equipment stolen.

The team said he may not be able to participate in callouts because of the theft.

The crime happened hours after the doctor took part in a rescue on Moel Famau in north-east Wales. His vehicle was parked outside his home in Wavertree, Liverpool, when it was targeted by thieves and gear worth more than £1,300 taken.

Team spokesperson Becky Waudby said: “It is obvious that the red Grivel 45l rucksack, first aid kit and their contents belong to a member of a mountain rescue team.

“While some of the items are standard things that you will find in a rucksack, such as a climbing harness and head torch, others are clearly labelled with mountain rescue livery. This includes a Munro Jacket, Fitzroy jacket and Petzl helmet.

“Until this equipment is replaced, Tom, one of the doctors on the team, may be unable to attend callouts. This means that casualties, such as the lady Tom assisted on Moel Famau on Thursday, may be put at risk.

“A full list of the stolen kit is available on the Newsar website and we are asking that anyone who has information about the theft or knows the whereabouts of the stolen kit, to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Ms Waudby said that, unless the kit can be found, Tom and other team members will have to raise the money to replace it. All team members are volunteers and mountain rescue teams receive very little funding from government, raising most of the cash needed to buy equipment themselves.