Hospital Intruders Hunted For Nitrous Oxide

Police are hunting two young men, who burgled a hospital and tried to steal nitrous oxide, a gas abused by users to achieve a brief high.

On Thursday, August 18, last year police were called at approximately 00.45am to reports of a burglary at St Helier Hospital, Carshalton.

A drug canister worth £400 was damaged.

CCTV captured two suspects walking around the hospital trying to steal gas canisters.

They were caught breaking a lock to a gas canister lock-up containing nitrous oxide.

Only when they were challenged, did they drop a gas canister they were trying to take before running off towards Tweeddale Road.

Local officers attended and pursued the suspects on foot along Shaftsbury Road before losing sight of them.

Suspect 1 is described as a slim white man, aged in his early twenties. He was wearing a white T-shirt, camouflage baseball cap, dark coloured trousers, white trainers and a gold chain and carrying a Nike bag.

Suspect 2 is described as a slim white man, aged in his early twenties. His hair was shaved at the sides. He was wearing a grey Duffer jumper, dark coloured trousers and dark trainers and was also carrying a bag.

Detective Constable Paul Haridimou of Sutton CID, said: “This was a callous and dangerous act.

“The suspects damaged the canisters unaware if they were in use by someone in greater need within the hospital.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise those shown in the footage or the still released, or anyone who witnessed the incident.”

Anyone that can assist the investigation is asked to contact Sutton CID via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.