A High Wycombe company that has been manufacturing urgently-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for the NHS has had its van stolen overnight.

Sabeti Wain Aerospace usually makes aircraft seat covers for airlines such as British Airways, Qantas and Etihad, but workers have put aside their usual production in recent weeks to instead make more than 5,000 scrubs and gowns for the NHS.

But thieves last night (May 5) gained access to their secure car park at their head office at 120 Lane End Road, Sands, broke into their van and drove it away.

The stolen Fiat Ducato - registration plate RO64 YTS - was seen heading in the direction of Stokenchurch after it was stolen at 11.30pm.

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The van was the company's way of getting vital PPE to those in need.

Amy FitzGibbon, from Sabeti Wain Aerospace, said: "We are devastated that thieves have stolen our main way of distributing all the PPE we are manufacturing to the hospitals, care homes, doctors and hospices that are in urgent need in the local area.

"In a time where the community is pulling together to support the NHS, protect the vulnerable and help each other during this crisis, it is a shock that thieves would target a family company who have put aside their usual production to contribute to the local community and the country.

"This event is going to have a huge impact on all the charities, NHS Trusts and companies we are currently supplying much needed PPE to.

"We would like to make an urgent appeal for people with any information to contact the police or for the people who have stolen our van to return it to us."