Heartless thieves steal good Samaritan's car as she helps collapsed stranger

Sue Shortland-Webb was driving home when she saw a woman's body lying in the middle of a busy road.

Without a moments hesitation the former GP pulled her car into the road forming a protective barrier against oncoming traffic and raced to the woman's aid.

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As she barked out orders to bystanders, the 42-year-old bent down to check the stranger's life signs.

But as the drama unfolded a heartless thief sauntered over to Sue's car and sped off.

Inside the boot was Sue's most precious possessions, three violins - one built in 1860 in France by Parisian master violin maker Jules Remy.

The delicate instrument was crafted nine years before the Cutty Sark was built - and is worth over £25,000.

Given as a gift when she was just 11, Sue who plays to a professional standard, has been playing it ever since.

She said: "I did what I believe anyone would do, I stopped to help someone in need.

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"When you are in a situation like that you don't think about anything else, the safety of that person was paramount.

"But when I looked up to see my car being driven off in that situation my heart just sank - I don't think they gave me, or the woman, one thought.

"It just shows there are some who will stop and help - and others who will do the absolute opposite."

The entire episode was captured on CCTV cameras outside a pub where the woman collapsed.

Shortly after Sue's car had disappeared the mystery woman started to come to.

As the ambulance tended her bumped head Sue described to Police how her car had been stolen, with it's priceless haul.

The incident happened on September 27, just after 10pm. An agonising wait ensued as Sue hoped for the return of the instruments.

But in a incredible turn of events Sue's precious violin was discovered undamaged under a hedge in Bournville, Birmingham.

It remains with police while they carry out forensic tests. Sue believes the bungling thieves chucked the valuable violin because they didn't realise it's true value.

She added: "I'm over the moon with how this has turned out, but the whole process has been very traumatic - the way in which it was stolen is the most shocking thing for me."

Recounting the moment she saw the collapsed woman, Sue added: "As I drove up the road I saw the woman lying there and her body looked contorted.

"I knew immediately something was seriously wrong, at first I thought she might even be dead.

"When you see something like that you have to help. I pulled up and began asking medical questions about her breathing.

"A small group came together and some of the group started moving her out of the road.

"Next thing I realised the group suddenly dwindled and I was alone with one other woman, I knew it was strange, but I was focussed on helping the woman.

"Then I heard my car starting up and looked up to see it pull away.

"Maybe I was foolish to leave the keys in, but when you see someone in need you don't have time to stop and think about things like that - for all I knew she could be dying."

Sue suffered a bicycle accident six years ago when she took a fall riding through the Austrian Alpes.

She hit her head and developed a debilitating illness called Chronic Pain, which forced her to leave work.

Her music had become her sole source of respite from the agonising syndrome.

She added: "I wanted that violin back so much.

"The manner in which it was taken is so hurtful too. They didn't give it one thought they just saw the opportunity.

"I have been playing that violin for over 30 years, when you play an instrument for that long it is almost impossible to start with another."

A West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed the crime, adding: "The theft occurred as the driver stopped to help another woman.

"Inside the vehicle were several high value musical instrument. Police inquiries into the theft of the vehicle are continuing."