A life-saving defibrillator has been stolen from outside a much-loved community hub.

The callous early morning raid at the Golden Friendships building at Nairn Place occurred just before 1 am on Wednesday.

The theft has allegedly been caught on CCTV with the footage now passed to the police.

And, in a social media post, Golden Friendships founder Jim McLaren asked locals for their help in locating the much-needed apparatus.

He wrote: “If you are out and about and come across this please return this to us, this is a valuable piece of equipment that benefits the whole community.

“There was a cost to buy this de-fib but the equipment itself is worthless to be sold on, but priceless to the community as it saves lives and is accessible to everyone locally.”

The Dalmuir charity prides itself on helping the most vulnerable in the community, often hosting event nights and taking service users on excursions.

And nearby residents expressed their horror at the idea someone would target the group in this way.

One wrote: “That's appalling, I hope it gets returned very soon. How low can people stoop?”

Another commented: “Absolutely vile! How can people do this? Disgusting.”

A third said: “Disgusting. Hope it’s returned or found with no damage. Scum of the earth.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 5.10 am on Wednesday, 13 December, police received a report of the theft of a defibrillator from Nairn Place, Clydebank.

“Enquiries are at an early stage. Anyone with information that may assist should contact 101 with reference 0390 of 13 December.”