THIEVES who stole vital equipment from a New Forest rescue boat have put lives at risk, lifesavers have warned.

Intruders stole an anchor, flares, a first aid kit and a bailing scoop from a League of Venturers Search and Rescue boat, putting it out of action.

Philip Pearce-Smith, honorary executive of the organisation, is offering a £250 reward to bring the thieves to justice.

The incident is thought to have taken place on Saturday night.

The rib boat and trailer were locked up by the White House at Lepe Beach.

But the cupboard at the front of the three-metre vessel, where the items were stored, did not have a lock.

The anchor and chain were in a black bag and the flares and first aid kit were in a green plastic tube.

Mr Pearce-Smith is hoping the £250 reward offer will bring forward people who may have been in the area as they witnessed a Coastguard rescue.

Two adults and a child were picked up in a lifeboat after grounding on the Lepe side of Beaulieu River on a jetski.

Mr Pearce-Smith said: "The theft left the beach rescue boat unable to operate until replacement safety equipment has been found, which means lives are at risk.

"The value of the reward is more than the value of the items stolen but we feel it is important to catch people who steal from rescue boats."

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Hythe police on 0845 045 4545.