A life-saving defibrillator was stolen and later damaged and dumped in Warrenpoint.
The device had been located at Eurospar in the seaside town.
The casing was opened at some stage last night (Saturday), with the defibrillator equipment itself eventually found in nearby King’s Lane by a member of the public.
Independent Councillor Mark Gibbons has condemned those responsible.
He said: “If this was an act of vandalism – which we believe it to be – damaging life-saving equipment like this is an act of senseless and gross stupidity.
“I am grateful to the decent member of the public for bringing this vital equipment back to the shop staff.
“I have reported the incident to the PSNI who will be carrying out enquiries and I would like to thank Store Supervisor, Paddy McLoughlin for the heads up this morning.
“If you have any information that you think might help the PSNI with their enquiries-please contact 101.
“Public access defibrillators are potentially life-saving devices and I hope that this invaluable defibrillator in Warrenpoint is repaired as soon as possible.”
