LETHAL drugs were stolen from under the nose of a medic as he attended seriously ill patients in Runcorn. Police launched a full scale search for the medication amidst fears it could fall into the hands of unscrupulous dealers or drug addicts with potentially fatal consequences. The stolen case was full of drugs ranging from extra strong aspirin to Tenecteplase - which can cause deadly haemorrhaging or heart failure in large doses - and was taken from the car sometime between 8-11pm, as the driver made one of three emergency visits in the town. The car, deployed to life threatening 'red calls' while an ambulance arrives, treated patients in Ivy Street, at Halton's Royal British Legion and Weymouth Close, Murdishaw, on Monday before the thefts were discovered. Immediately, police issued a warning for people to be on the alert for the 'extremely dangerous' drugs which they suspected could be pushed on the streets or mistakenly used. But yesterday officers found the black and aluminium case in which the drugs were stored dumped in bushes near the Royal British Legion on Main Street, and were checking to see if any of the medication was still missing. Amongst the stolen drugs was Lignocaine, a local anaesthetic which can cause psychosis, breathing problems and convulsions if taken in high doses, and Atropine tablets, an overdose of which would be toxic. Also stolen was Diazepam, Glucagon, used to treat diabetes, and Syntometrine, which stimulates pregnant women into labour. A spokesman for Mersey Regional Ambulance Service said: 'One of these drugs, Diazepam, is known to be used recreationally by addicts, but in the wrong hands the other drugs could all be passed off as something else and sold to people who don't know what they're taking,' he warned. 'Thankfully this sort of incident is very rare, but obviously it is very unfortunate.' He said the thefts could also have had dangerous consequences had the medic urgently needed any of the drugs to treat patients that day. Officers investigating the thefts have urged anyone with information to call them on 01244 350000, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | 
