CALLOUS crooks carried out a tyre slashing spree, with outraged residents claiming more than 50 cars were targeted.

Angered Dovercourt residents woke up on Monday morning to discover their car tyres had been slashed during the night.

It is believed more than 50 cars parked in about eight roads in Dovercourt had their tyres slit open by yobs.

A victim of the incident, who asked not to be named, said his CCTV footage showed crooks damaging his car’s tyres at about 9.30pm on Sunday.

The victim, who lives in Deepdale Road, said: “I have heard rumours of around 50 cars having their tyres slashed, but I can’t be certain how accurate that is.

“But I do know only five people have logged it with the police.”

He added: “It is just very frustrating and it is a pointless act of vandalism.

“It’s also very concerning that they seem to be carrying a knife.”

The resident reported the incident to the police and has sent officers his CCTV footage of two men slashing his car’s tyres.

One of the men appeared to be wearing all grey with black shoes, and the other man appeared to be wearing dark shoes with a white sole and trousers with white strips down the sides.

An Ashley Road resident, who also asked to remain anonymous, said there were widespread reports on social media of car tyres being slashed.

He said: “I reckon about 50 plus vehicles suffered stabbed tyres.”

He said cars in Ashley Road, Birch Road, Highfield Avenue, Lime Avenue and Cliff Road had their tyres slashed during the nighttime spree.

Police were called shortly after 11pm last Sunday with reports tyres had been slashed in Gordon Road, Dovercourt.

On arrival officers found seven further cars had their tyres slashed in Fronks Road, Highfield Avenue, Cliff Road, Deepdale Road, Ashley Road and Douglas Road.

Tendring Police district commander Chief Insp Lily Benbow said: “We are aware of a number of reports of criminal damage to vehicles in the area and would encourage those that may not have already reported such damage to do so.

“The investigations remain open at this stage with a proportionate investigation strategy being adopted.

“We do not have any clear motive for these crimes and encourage anyone with information to please get in touch.

“If you can assist our investigation then please either call 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.”