POLICE have launched a man hunt after a car belonging to a paramedic was stolen while the owner was working a night shift.

Officers now want to speak to a man [pictured] following the incident, which took place between 6.15am and 6.20am on Saturday May 2.

The silver VW Polo, with a registration number ending in HLA, was taken from Monks Brooke Industrial Park in School Close, Chandler’s Ford.

The paramedic wrote on social media: "Clearly this man thinks he is above the 'stay at home' message and considers car theft as essential exercise.

"Really enjoyed the long train journey home after a 13.5 hour night shift, cheers man.

"Hope your face mask protects you from coronavirus as well as it did from the three CCTV cameras that caught you."

It has also sparked outrage from a Southampton councillor, who went on to label the thieving act as “despicable”.

Councillor and Cabinet Member for Healthier and Safer City, Dave Shields, said: “I very much hope that the culprit here was unaware from whom he stole this vehicle; I’m sure that when they realise what they did they will be rightly mortified at this despicable act.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “If you know this man, or have any information about this incident, please call us on 101, quoting 44200154596.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”