POLICE in Darlington have appealed for information after a series of seemingly motiveless vandalism attacks on cars in the Branksome area of town.

Officers said the criminal damage had blighted the lives of people on the estate in recent weeks and that catching those responsible had been made a priority.

The vandals have been particularly targeting cars by slashing or puncturing tyres, apparently at random.

Earlier this month The Northern Echo featured taxi driver Terry Jolly, who left his house one morning to find that the tyres on his car, and those of his neighbours, were flat after being slashed with a knife.

The repairs cost Mr Jolly several hundred pounds and cost him almost a days work.

He said: "It’s disgraceful – these people have nothing better to do with their time and take it out on decent, working class people.

“Everyone round here is working class, why would you want to do something like this to your neighbours and affect their livelihoods?”

Making a new appeal for information, police urged people to contact the Cockerton Neighbourhood Policing Team to help officers track down those responsible.

To help with the enquiry contact PC Jules Brown or PCSO Martin Dolby, in confidence, via the non-emergency 101 number.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.