JUST days after striking for the third time in a year in Thurrock, callous thieves have once again raided a south Essex fire station to steal life-saving equipment.

Cutting equipment worth £13,000 was taken from Billericay Fire Station, in Laindon Road, Billericay.

Fire officials fear it could cost lives, while an MP condemned the theft as "shameful".

The theft means crews attending crashes in the area will be forced to wait for equipment to be brought in from elsewhere.

Disgusted Justin Johnson, divisional officer for Essex firefighters, said: "This not only stretches our resources, but means it could take us longer to get to someone who needs our help in a situation where time is of the essence.

"This equipment could mean the difference between life and death for someone trapped in their car." The theft was the second in a week.

Thieves also stole the life-saving equipment,from Orsett fire station in Stanford Road, Orsett, on Friday, September 28.

In June, the same type of cutting gear was taken from Corringham fire station.

Billericay Tory MP John Baron added: "All crime is wrong, but this is particularly shameful, given this theft could put people's lives at risk.

"I hope replacement equipment is found quickly and the police hunt down the criminals as quickly as possible."

Witnesses can contact Basildon police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.