YOBS, thought to be as young as ten, went on the rampage spray painting three homes and a shop.

The two vandals first struck at Somerfield, in the Laindon Centre, in High Road, Laindon.

They spray painted their tag in black paint over the fire exit before fleeing over the footbridge in the direction of Great Oxcroft.

A few hours later, also in Great Oxcroft, three residents called police after their homes were daubed with the same tag in black paint.

The damage to all three homes is about £150.

Police are now investigating the attacks and are appealing for witnesses.

PC Josh Anderson, Lee Chapel North neighbourhood constable, said: “These youths may just think they were having a bit of fun, but these residents are now faced with the hassle of removing the graffiti, which can be costly.

“A lot of people work hard to make this community nice, and graffiti just blights it.

“If you know who this tag belongs to, or you saw who did this, we want to hear from you.”

The two boys are both described as white and aged between ten and 11.

One of them had a pattern shaved into his hair.

Witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 3.30pm on Sunday, can contact officers at Laindon police station on 0300 3334444, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.