Vandals in Letchworth drove a stolen car at a town centre parking pay machine to knock it over, and then tried to break into it – with officers now appealing for witnesses.

Between 10pm on Thursday night and 7.30am the next morning, someone broke into a black Renault Clio parked in a public car park in The Wynd, then drove it into the payment machine to knock it over.

They then used spanners stored inside the car to try to gain access to the machine. After failing, they then left the scene.

Sgt Alan Clarke from the Letchworth safer neighbourhood team said: ““I am appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area between the times stated to contact me.”

Anyone with information should call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference G2/16/1296, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively use Crimestoppers’ anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.