POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a spate of arson and criminal damage attacks to cars and properties in South Worcestershire.

A number of attacks have been reported in villages within South Worcestershire between Friday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 26.

Attackers are believed to have been firing stones with a catapult to cause extensive damage to the vehicles and properties they have targeted. There has also been reports of vehicles being set alight.

Attacks have been reported in Worcester, Malvern, Claines, Fernhill Heath, Tibberton, Crowle, Flyford Flavell, Naunton Beauchamp, Himbleton, Powick, Droitwich, Pinvin, Broadwas, Broughton Hackett and Upton.

Police are appealing to the public for their help by supplying CCTV footage or any information to identify the attackers.

Detective Inspector David Knight from West Mercia Police has said that local officers have been patrolling villages in the area.

He said: "We realise that this series and scale of incidents will prove alarming to the local community but we want to reassure people that this spate of crimes is rare and unprecedented in Worcestershire, and we take reports of this nature extremely seriously.

"The damage caused to these vehicles and properties has resulted in a great deal of stress, disruption and anxiety for both the victims and the local community.

"Our priority is finding out who is responsible for these mindless acts and ensuring they are brought to justice."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 22/25933/19.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website crimestoppers-uk.org/