POLICE are hunting for a vandal who jumped on a car in Newcastle city centre – owned by an elderly street pastor.

The volunteer had given up her own time to work with the Street Pastors in the city centre on the evening of Friday, July 6.

She had volunteered to help give out assistance to those enjoying a night out in town and provide vulnerable people with assistance.

But she was shocked when she returned to her vehicle at the car park in St Nicholas Cathedral at around 4am on the Saturday morning to find it had been damaged.

Officers were called and it was established that someone had jumped on the bonnet of the black Mini Cooper convertible and caused a large dent.

Sergeant Rich Gentry has condemned the person responsible and urged them to do the decent thing and contact police.

He said: “The victim in this crime is a selfless pensioner who dedicated her entire evening to help protect vulnerable people in our city centre.

“It is despicable that she has then returned to her vehicle only to find somebody has been jumping on the bonnet.

“She was inconsolable after the incident and has had to take a break from her work with the Street Pastors because of the distress it has caused her.

“I would urge anyone who knows who may have done this to do the decent thing and talk to police.”

The person responsible, or anyone who knows their identity or saw the incident take place, is encouraged to call police on 101 quoting reference 089225C/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also provide information online at www.northumbria.pnn.police.uk/contact or by emailing 607@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.