http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/View...icleID=1584388
YOBS threw rocks at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after it delivered a patient who needed emergency attention, putting it out of action for hours.
Yesterday the chief executive of the air ambulance, Martin Eede, condemned the thugs, saying that they had not only put the lives of paramedics and his staff at risk but patients' lives as well.
The crew was were transferring a patient who had suffered a ruptured aorta from Airedale General Hospital to Leeds General Infirmary.
The helicopter landed at Woodhouse Moor, Leeds, on Wednesday evening, where it was met by an ambulance crew.
As it was flying off a small group of youths began throwing stones.
When the aircraft returned to base it was grounded so mechanics could strip the engine to make sure no stones had got inside.
Mr Eede said: "We are paid for by the people of Yorkshire, we are a charity and we do not want some mindless youths attacking it and putting peoples' lives at risk in this way."
The helicopter was grounded Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Superficial damage was caused to its frame.
Mr Eede added: "It is not only putting our paramedics and pilots at risk, it is putting patients at risk – we were not able to fly yesterday morning if we were needed."
He said the patient had been transferred safely to the infirmary. It is the first time the air ambulance has ever experienced such problems.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said they had been alerted to the incident.
23 June 2006