POLICE suspect a teenager was responsible for slashing more than 50 car tyres during a night of destruction.

Police are appealing for witnesses after 38 vehicles in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, were attacked during the rampage.

Officers believe the teenager may have boasted about his actions and have appealed for information from the public.

The attacks took place between midnight on Friday and the early hours of Saturday morning in the Woodham and Agnew areas.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Newton Aycliffe police, said: "This was a mindless act of vandalism that has caused a lot of people massive inconvenience.

"Some cars have had more than one tyre badly damaged, which has made it difficult to get repaired as most drivers have only one spare tyre.

"The damage has been mostly to the walls of tyres, which mean they cannot be repaired, leaving owners to face the massive cost of replacement.

"Fortunately, nobody has got into a car to drive without realising what has happened. This would have caused a lot more damage to their vehicle and, even worse, could have caused an accident.

"Whoever is responsible has given no thought to possible consequences and annoyance it has caused a lot of people."

Police are trying to identify a youth, aged between 14 and 16, who was wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap and was seen running away from Bates Close.

Other streets targeted were Alverton Court, Bluebell Meadow, Bakewell Place, Guthrum Place, Woodham Way, Morrison Close, Tanfield Place, Stargate Close and the area around the Tyreman pub.

Insp Tuck urged anyone who witnessed the attacks or heard the culprit, or culprits, boasting, to call him on (01325) 314401.

Calls can be taken in confidence.