POLICE are investigating after intruders entered a vehicle compound and went on a wrecking spree causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The dozen vehicles, eight red and four silver Nissan Micras, were parked in the courtesy car parking area at Anderson and Young Coachworks, in Wallnook Lane, Langley Park.

Sometime between midday and 4.30pm on Saturday, the intruders scaled the metal fencing around the perimeter and made their way to the parking area.

They then used bricks and other implements to smash the windows, damage bodywork, wing mirrors and lights, and scratch obscenities on the panels.

Some of the cars also had interior damage and the total cost is estimated at between £10,000 and £15,000.

No attempt was made to start the vehicles or move them.

The vandals, or vandal, then made their way to the customer car park, but went through a security beam which triggered the alarm.

Proprietor Ken Anderson said: "It is like they fired an air rifle at the cars as target practice. Four of them are written off.

"It is just mindless vandalism."

Inquiries were carried out in the area at the weekend and a search of the site was made.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "At the moment, we have no clear motive for this damage.

"Whoever has done this was there quite some time to carry out the systematic smashing of windows.

"They have clearly gone to great lengths to cause this damage.

"There was no intention of moving any of these cars from the compound. It was just a wrecking spree.

"Even though we have been making inquiries in the area, we are finding it difficult to find any witnesses and that is because of the rural location of the premises.

"It is vital that anyone who has information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, gets in touch with the police."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (0845) 6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.