Lifesaving cutting equipment worth £10,000 has been stolen from firefighters.

Thieves sneaked into Leigh fire station and removed the heavy-duty Clan Lucas cutters, nicknamed the jaws of life.

The hydraulic gear is often used to remove people who have become trapped in the wreckage of cars during an accident.

The same equipment has also been stolen from Colchester fire station.

Divisional officer Justin Johnson said: "This equipment could mean the difference between life and death for someone trapped in their car and this theft not only hurts us, but hurts the millions of motorists who rely on us to come to their rescue when the worst happens. It is disgusting to think someone would break into a fire station and steal equipment which we have solely to provide protection to the public.

"It is completely mindless for someone to steal from a service which is dedicated to saving lives."

The theft comes at the busiest time of year for firefighters dealing with road accidents caused by the winter weather and more hours of darkness.

Clan Lucas cutting and spreading equipment has also recently been stolen from fire stations in London and Cambridge.

Police are investigating.