A paramedic on a mercy mission has been left heartbroken after thieves snatched her engagement ring and other valuables from an ambulance car as she treated a man in agony.

The ring, which she says is “irreplaceable”, as well an eternity ring, house and car keys and personal documents were stolen from the emergency response vehicle while she was in a house in Gillingham after receiving a late-night 999 call.

The mum-of-two, 43, who has asked not to be named, immediately called her partner, Bradley Gardiner at their home in Rainham.

Mr Gardiner, 32, has turned to social media to appeal for the safe return of the jewellery.

The mechanic said: “She is extremely distressed. She does the job because she wants to help people. She could easily have been saving somebody’s life when this happened. It is sickening.”

The 32-year-old added: “It is not about the money. Although it has hit us hard having to get locks changed and because it was not stolen from our home, we are not insured - and all this with Christmas coming up. It’s about the sentimental value of the jewellery. If anyone gets offered the rings, please contact me, or if you see them for sale, I don’t care if I have to buy them back.”

Mr Gardiner said police had told him the thieves withdrew £300 from his fiancée’s account within half of an hour of the theft, which happened between last Sunday night and Monday morning.

He said: “I would appeal to anyone who has a conscience to think what they have done. But then again I think whoever did this probably does not have a conscience.

“Both rings have memories for us both. I gave her the Pandora eternity ring as a surprise on her 40th birthday, Yes, I could go out and buy identical rings, but it would not be the same.”

Mr Gardiner has received a “massive” response since posting his plea on Facebook. He said the stolen bag, made by designer Michael Kors, is distinctive - it is white with tan handles and tan spots.

His partner, who has been a paramedic for 15 years, had been on a 5pm to 2am shift when the thieves struck at around midnight.

If you have any information call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 121287.