A single mother of three is “shocked” after finding her car damaged after an attempted break-in.

Kerrie Learnihan, 37, of Mitchell Avenue, Halstead, discovered her black Kia's passenger-side window had been smashed, on Saturday.

A concerned resident spotted the damage on Saturday morning and raised the alarm on the Halstead Community and Street Watch Facebook page.

Kerrie saw the images and realised it was her car.

Halstead Gazette: Not good - the Black Kia's damaged windowNot good - the Black Kia's damaged window (Image: Beth Lynn)

Kerrie, who is a community care worker, says the incident must have happened between 1am to 7am that morning.

She reported the incident to Essex Police and said she wouldn’t be able to get the window fixed until Tuesday at the earliest.

Kerrie said: “I am shocked that someone would do such a thing with no thought about the consequences.

"I’ve not been unable to work until its fixed.

“With it being a bank holiday, I’ve had to wait and leave my car unsecure for three days.

“Nothing was taken and there was no object in the car to suggest what had been used. It was pure vandalism from what I can see.

Halstead Gazette: Smashed - a close-up on the aftermath of the break-inSmashed - a close-up on the aftermath of the break-in (Image: Beth Lynn)

“Not forgetting the expense to a single mum of three at an already difficult time.”

The images show the shattered window with fragments of glass all over the front passenger seat.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have received a report of a black Kia Proceed being broken into on March 30 in Mitchell Avenue, Halstead.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

Halstead Gazette: Area - a Street View image of Mitchell AvenueArea - a Street View image of Mitchell Avenue (Image: Google Maps)

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/507759/24.”

To find out more about the force’s reporting services, you can visit essex.police.uk/digital101.

Reports can be submitted online or using the Essex Police live chat service which is available Monday to Friday between 10am to 9pm.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on its website or by calling 0800 555111.