FIVE computers were stolen in a burglary at Stroud General Hospital.

The incident happened sometime between 10pm on Tuesday, March 24 and 6am the following morning.

Thieves forced entry to the hospital's administrative block and ransacked several offices before stealing the IT equipment.

Police have since issued hospital staff with security advice.

Anthony Dallimore, assistant director of communications for NHS Gloucestershire, said: "We can confirm that there was a break-in at the Stroud General Hospital administrative offices and a small amount of computer equipment was taken.

"An internal security review of the incident by NHS Gloucestershire Care Services is underway and the Police are also carrying out their criminal investigations.

"We will provide an update to patients and the public as soon as our review is completed.

"We are progressing this work as quickly as possible.

"We will be talking to NHS staff as part of the review to check on patient information security and storage arrangements."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting incident 32 of March 25.