A doctor's surgery has been left to pick up the bill after vandals smashed two windows during random attacks.

Essex Police is investigating after the first floor windows of the Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery, in Factory Lane West, Halstead, were broken on two separate occasions within the same week.

Both incidents saw the suspects hurl stones at panels of glass, leaving them broken and in need of replacement.

Practice manager Richard Hartwell said: “As far as we can tell, both were caused by stones being thrown at the building from street level.

“Unfortunately the event over the weekend was not witnessed but on Wednesday evening a resident saw two youths wearing hoodies throwing stones at the surgery, when shouted at, they ran off in the direction of the causeway.

“We’re currently waiting on quotes for the repair. Final cost to the surgery will depend on the quotes and the insurance excess we have to pay.”

An appeal for witnesses has been launched as Essex Police looks to find those responsible.

A spokesman said: “We were called to reports a window had been damaged at an address in Factory Lane West, Halstead at some point between 6.30pm on May 4 and 12pm on May 6.

“We were called to the same address at around 9pm on Wednesday, May 9, to reports a window had been damaged.

“It was reported stones had been thrown at the window causing it to smash.

“Two people were reported to have been seen running away from the scene.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/65060/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.