Thieves have taken vital life saving equipment from a Hampshire fire station.

They broke into the station overnight and took a sledge hammer, crowbar and battery powered saw used for car crashes - all equipment used by firefighters in potentially life threatening situations.

Firefighters at Bordon station discovered the break-in and missing equipment this morning at around 8am.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the theft had not affected service cover in that area.

It had to be taken on by other crews as the station was out of action for a couple of hours while crime scene investigators combed the station for clues.

The equipment has since been replaced.

Tweeting about the incident, the station said: "Sad day.  Station broken into overnight and equipment stolen.  Any info gratefully received."

Anyone who has information on the incident is asked to call Hampshire Police on 101.