AN ambulance crew taking an elderly patient to hospital were left shocked when a man threw a stone at the vehicle near Hartlebury, shattering the window.

The incident took place just after midnight yesterday (Sunday, March 12) on the southbound carriageway of the A449, near to the Mitre Oak pub, in Crossway Green.

The patient's treatment was delayed and a second ambulance had to be sent to take the patient to hospital.

A paramedic area support officer and West Mercia Police attended the scene to try and find the attacker.

Emergency medical technician, Steve Hopkins, who was driving the vehicle at the time, said: "We were taking an elderly patient with suspected cardiac related chest pains into Worcestershire Royal when we were coming down the A449.

"I remember seeing three lads, who were probably late teens, dressed in black, who were walking towards Kidderminster.

"At the last minute I caught sight of the one in the middle throwing something and the next second the passenger window in the cab exploded covering me in glass."

He added: "It was a real shock, but thankfully I wasn't hurt.

"To be honest, I was more concerned about our patient. It is a stressful enough situation without something like this happening.

"I just can't understand why anyone would do something like this to any vehicle, never mind an ambulance.

"The potential for a crash and serious injuries is enormous."

Steve Elliker, WMAS security and safety manager, said: "Although police did attend and searched the area, there was no trace of the three youths.

"No-one can defend their actions. We would appeal for anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact police.

"Thankfully, no-one was seriously hurt, but we could easily have ended up with the vehicle leaving the road and then who knows what could have happened."

Mr Elliker added: "Someone knows who did this.

"I would urge you to do the right thing and pass on your information to police or Crimestoppers."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident reference number 2S of March 12.

Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.