Medical equipment and records belonging to a family with a two-and-a-half year old child who has a life-threatening condition has been stolen from a car at Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve.

Thieves broke into the victim's car on the Station Road side of the nature reserve, at just before 4pm on Tuesday February 4 and stole a grey rucksack containing the medical equipment and health records for the family's daughter.

Investigating officer PC Alex Stacey said: "It's hard to comprehend how anyone could steal medical equipment and health records belonging to a child.

"I would urge the offenders to examine their consciences and return these as soon as possible. While the medical equipment is replaceable, the medical records are not.

"They contain data and information dating from the child's birth, some of which is not recorded anywhere else. This book is worthless to anyone other than the family involved.

"We know bank cards contained within the rucksack have since been fraudulently used in stores in Street, so it's possible the bag has been dumped somewhere between Shapwick and Street."

If you can help, or have information on where the rucksack or medical equipment/book is, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5220028485.

If you have information and don't want to speak to the police you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. They never ask for your name or trace your call.