London's Air Ambulance launches 'urgent' appeal for second helicopter

By Ruth Zorko: ITV London reporter

London's Air Ambulance says it urgently needs to raise £4.4 million for a second helicopter.

They currently have just one aircraft which needs regular servicing and maintenance. It was out of action for 55 days last year, during which time there was no back-up in the skies.

The helicopter can reach patients up to eight times faster than when doctors and paramedics travel by road - and that can make the difference between life and death.

It's estimated that they could reach 400 more patients a year by air if they had a second helicopter - and it would also make a massive difference in the event of a major incident like a terrorist attack.

So far the service has raised £1.6 million of its target.