POLICE in New Milton are investigating the suspected vandalism of a public defibrillator.

Officers were called 4pm on Saturday to reports that a defibrillator had been damaged outside the New Milton Memorial Centre on Whitefield Road. 

A post on the Lymington and New Milton Facebook page read: "[Today] brings anger and despair in that the last straw has been pulled.

"The wanton vandalism of the defibrillator cabinet at the Memorial Hall by smashing the Perspex cover and damaging the digital handle in an obvious attempt to remove the machine.

"Had you have been successful in your attempt all you would have done was take away the potential to save a life."

A 13-year-old boy has been identified by police as possibly being involved in the incident and is "helping with enquiries."

No arrests have been made at this time.