A LIFELINE telephone in Glasgow has been dismantled after shameful vandals ripped its handset apart. 

The public phone - that connects directly to Samaritans free of charge - was recently taken down after extensive damage left the device unusable. 

The mindless act has left bereaved families who fought for the installation of a number of the telephones “heartbroken”. 

Glasgow Times:

Jeanmarie Ferrier, who lost her brother Thomas at the age of just 38, said: “My heart sank at this awful news. Why do people stoop so low? 

“These telephones are a vital lifeline and were fought for so vehemently.

“When someone is low, these hooded phones give you privacy to chat. They are vital to someone who is contemplating ending their own life.”

The 38-year-old added: “It can only be mindless people who do not give a damn for others.”

The Think Again Campaign achieved success in March last year after pushing for more than two years for the instalment of a number of the devices in the city. 

Glasgow Times: Jeanmarie Ferrier and Stef ShawJeanmarie Ferrier and Stef Shaw

Stef Shaw, who spearheaded the movement alongside Jeanmarie, described the act as “disrespectful”. 

He said: “All Think Again campaigners and bereaved families will be absolutely disgusted to learn of the vandalism of these lifeline telephones. 

“What is happening to this once wonderful city? 

“The graffiti is revolting but to tear a handset from its base or to pull the phone to the ground is so disrespectful of mental health and suicide prevention. 

“For some thug to tear these lifesaving phones apart in minutes is heartbreaking.”

And it isn’t the first time that the lifesaving phones have been targeted as we told in November how one had been torn from the ground. 

Glasgow Times:

Stef added: “These much-needed telephones are a lifeline for vulnerable people and it is shocking that they have been vandalised.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: a spokesman said: "Any vandalism that damages equipment intended to protect personal safety is absolutely abhorrent."