POLICE are hunting yobs who went on a car windows and windscreens smashing spree in the Rownhams area in drive-by catapult shootings.

Around 44 vehicles were attacked over three nights on January 2, 3 and 4 in Rownhams and the Shirley area of Southampton.

The majority came under fire from marbles and other objects in the early hours of Sunday morning. Streets where vehicles were damaged at Rownhams included Upper Toothill Road, Balmoral Way and Horns Drove. Incidents were also reported at Lee between Romsey and Nursling. And 22 roads in Shirley were also targeted by the yobs leaving motorists with hefty repair bills.

PC Simon Peacock said: “I am appealing for information to help trace those responsible for these mindless acts of criminal damage. The majority of damage took place in the Shirley area with a number having taken place in the Romsey area.

“These incidents have caused a lot of inconvenience to the victims, particularly to one victim who uses her car to transport her teenage daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy.

“An estate-type vehicle was seen being driven in the area at the time of the incidents. It may have been used by the offenders to drive past the parked cars and throw or catapult objects at them.”

PC Peacock added: “I would like to speak to anyone who may have had their vehicle damaged who has not yet reported it to the police. I would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything that could be linked to these incidents.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Peacock on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.