VANDALS have wreaked havoc in a spate of damage and destruction in a quiet Worcestershire village.

In Callow End, near Worcester, an elderly couple's fence has been flattened and the parish council notice board pushed over. Malvern Hills District councillor and resident Tom Wells is disgusted by these late-night attacks and has urged the community to fight the problem.

"We need to nip this in the bud before it gets out of hand," he said. "About two years ago, the village suffered a spate of petty vandalism and I am concerned that this is going to be a repeat performance."

Coun Wells, who is also a Worcestershire County Councillor, said that he would like to see an increased police presence in the area at night.

The owners of the fence in Lower Ferry Lane fear that it could cost hundreds of pounds to repair.

Hazel Harris and her 84-year-old husband Allan heard a noise outside at about 10.30pm on Saturday, February 4.

"We were horrified when we got up the following morning to find our fence panels were all smashed," said the 83-year-old. "We've been here for more than 30 years and have never had anything like this before, it's really heartbreaking."

Coun Wells said that other incidents have included damage to an electricity box in the playing field pavilion and a fire next to a nearby a storage unit.

A spokesman for Worcester Police said that the damage to the fence was being investigated and urged anyone with information about any of the incidents to come forward.

"We had not been made aware of the other incidents until now, but these will now be investigated," said the spokesman.

"Callow End, like all other areas of Worcester, is frequently patrolled by officers on foot, in high-profile patrol cars and also in unmarked vehicles at varying times of the day and also the night."

Anyone with information can call the police on 08457 444888, quoting 254S/050206, or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.