Emmerdale star Paula Lane issued a plea as she shared some “heartbreaking” news on social media.

The actress, 38, who currently stars as Ella Forster on the ITV soap, shared a post from a local hospice which revealed they had been broken into.

The statement explained how thieves struck in the early hours of the morning, with police forced to stand next to patients’ beds to ensure their safety.

While they failed to infiltrate the main hospice building, the criminals stole from other areas, including the garden counselling pod and their spiritual space.

Overgate Hospice describes these spots as calm places where grieving family members are supported and where patients go to cope with terminal illnesses.

Those who committed the offence walked away with several items, including computers, a large TV and bottles of alcohol and in doing so, caused “thousands of pounds worth” of damage.

The incident left staff at the hospice in “shock, anger and disbelief”, as they “watched the chaos unfold before their eyes”.

Paula added in her caption: “I hope the absolute scumbag low lifes who did this to Overgate Hospice never need to use this wonderful place after their karma catches up with them.”

She issued a plea to her fans, adding: “Please if you know anything or have any information contact police.”

Paula took her followers’ advice on board and started a GoFundMe page to raise funds to repare the hospice. £2,915 has been raised so far.

It comes after Paula was reportedly axed from her role as Ella Forster.

Before Paula joined Emmerdale in 2023, she featured in other notable TV dramas including Call The Midwife, ITV’s The Royal, and Heartbeat, though she is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Kylie Platt on Coronation Street.

A source revealed told The Sun: “The days of characters coming in in low profile ways and being bedded in for a year or two are long gone.

“Newcomers need to make an instant impact with secrets and mysteries but they don’t always work. It’s brutal but it’s how things in telly work now.”