A VOLUNTEER ambulance driver has been left shaken after being threatened by a couple who flagged her down and demanded morphine.


The first aider, who is a volunteer with St John Ambulance, was returning from providing cover at an event when she was flagged down by the occupants of small blue vehicle, which had foreign number plates. 


It happened at around 5.20pm on Saturday at Wheatley Hill, in County Durham, on the A181.


Police say a female driver gestured for the ambulance to stop and then a male passenger made threats and demands for morphine. 


After searching the vehicle and failing to find the drugs, both suspects left the scene.


The volunteer first aider was unharmed but shaken by the incident, a spokeswoman for St John Ambulance said.


She added: "We can confirm that a St John Ambulance volunteer was flagged down on Saturday and threatened. 


"The volunteer was unharmed but obviously shaken by this incident. The safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and employees is of paramount importance and it is distressing that one of them, whilst returning from providing first aid cover at an event, has been targeted in this way. 


"The volunteer involved is a very experienced volunteer with many years’ service and will be supported at this time by St John Ambulance colleagues. We are continuing to help police with their enquires into this incident."


The female suspect is described as being around 5ft8, in her 30’s of slim build with long, dark, straight hair and large gold hoop earrings. She spoke with an Eastern European accent.


The male suspect is described as being around 5ft10, in his 40’s of large build with a bald head, stubble and a number of tattoos on his lower arm. 


He was believed to be wearing leather gloves and also had an Eastern European accent.


A spokesperson for Durham Police said: “Nobody was injured during the incident, but it has left the victim shaken.


“We would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen anything to come forward.”


Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 349 of April 7. Alternatively, information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.