THIEVES are targeting NHS staff whilst they are working during the coronavirus pandemic.

The thieves targeted the bike shed located outside Darlington Memorial Hospital's onsite accommodation for staff, all of whom have been working throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Awais Nasir, a foundation doctor at the hospital, was one of two people who had their bike stolen from the shed, despite it being secured with a bike lock.

A third bike left by a resident in the shed remained untouched.

Mr Nasir has chosen not to replace the black mountain bike he had stolen for fear of thieves striking the accommodation again. His friends have started a funding page however to buy him a new bike, which will be fully secured.

"All the residents work long hours at the hospitals and are especially busy at the moment, so whoever stole the bikes would have known that was the case.

"I believe it was two people because only two bikes were taken, and the third was left.

"I haven't replaced the bike because I'm at work most days from eight in the morning until nine in the evening working in trauma and orthopaedic wards, so it's a long time to leave it unattended."

Mr Nasir has reported the crime to Durham Police who have given him a crime reference number.

To donate to the bike fund visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/BeanBike?utm_term=w4eeKqpGp