A MAN has been charged with stealing a life-saving piece of equipment from a hospital.

Robert Lonsdale, 39, of North Road, Brighton, is accused of taking a defibrillator from the Royal Sussex County Hospital on Tuesday October 12.

During a search at Lonsdale’s address, officers seized a number of items believed to be stolen including an Amazon parcel in another person’s name.

He was charged with theft and theft by finding.

It follows calls for defibrillators to be supplied to football clubs around the UK following the collapse of Denmark's Christian Eriksen during his nation's opening fixture against Finland at Euro 2020.

Police Constable Nicholas Thomson said: “It’s sad that someone would deliberately steal an invaluable piece of equipment which could save someone’s life, especially at a hospital.

“You only have to look at this summer’s European Championships to see why they are so important and now in the forefront of the public’s mind.”

Lonsdale has been bailed and will appear before magistrates on Sunday, December 12.