A DRIVER armed with a catapult pelted stones at up to 15 cars on while seemingly on a rampage.

Families woke on Father’s Day to find dozens of car windows damaged across Bowers Gifford.

Witnesses reported seeing the driver of a car launching stones from a catapult out of a moving car.

Cars were smashed on several roads, including Pound Lane and London Road, between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday.

Drivers have been forced to use heavy duty tape to temporarily ensure their cars are safe to drive.

One resident, whose son’s car window was smashed, had her own living room window smashed in with a catapult only a month ago.

Saturday’s incident has been described as a “climax of a crime wave” in the area, with similar attacks occurring throughout lockdown.

Another resident, although not affected at the weekend, had both the back and front car windows smashed by the force of the catapult last week.

Craig Rimmer, councillor of the Pitsea south east ward, who told the Echo he saw more than six damaged cars on Sunday morning, said: “It is absolutely shocking to see the sheer carnage people have had to wake up to on Father’s Day of all days.

“The residents living along Pound Lane and London Road have had to put up with this for months.

“This latest incident where up to 15 car windows have been smashed is the final straw.

“I am confident that our police will take this matter seriously and I will be writing to them to follow up on what they are doing to catch the culprits.

“I encourage anybody who has evidence to contact the police directly.

“The police has been notified with pictures of the likely vehicle handed in as evidence.”

Essex Police were unable to provide a comment before the Echo went to print, but urged anyone who was affected to use the 101 service to report the incidents, or any future incidents.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously 080055511, or you can visit their website at https://www.essex.police.uk/ro/ report/