A life-saving device installed on a charity's premises two weeks ago has been stolen.

On the night of June 14 to 15, a defibrillator was ripped out of its box at Copped Hall near Epping during a failed break in.

The £1,700 device, which is used to shock a person's heart back into action during cardiac arrest, is of no practical use to most people.

Jane Taylor, trustee of the Victorian mansion, said: "Money is tight and we would far rather put our funds towards the restoration of the house.

"We are aware of our duty to the public to make sure Copped Hall is a safe place to be, so we bought a defibrillator.

"It is really of no use to anyone unless they have the training.

"If they open it we will know that it has been used so we are hopeful we can somehow manage to track it down."

The trustees have urged the person who stole the defibrillator to leave it under its box at night, at which point they will not pursue charges.

The contraptions is a Zoll+ model, serial number X17K974307.

Contact firstaid.cht@outlook.com with information.