‘Scumbag’ wreckers leave trail of misery

Photo: Picture: VINCENT BROWN

Mervyn Teirney with his vandalised car.

VANDALS who who went on a wrecking spree with paint stripper have been labelled scumbags after five cars were damaged in Shaw.

Vehicles parked in Lyon Street and Brunswick Street were selected at random.

Mervyn Teirney (74), of Lyon Street, said: “We came outside to put the rubbish out on Thursday night and saw the damage. This was the closest I ever got to having a new car and now it’s wrecked.

“It’s not just our car. My daughter’s has stuff all over the bonnet, and next door’s was done too. They were targeting higher-end cars on the other street — like BMWs and nice Vauxhalls. We’re pensioners — we can’t afford to repair it.”

Another resident on Lyon Street said he was angry he didn’t hear anything. He said he would have to repair the damage to his car himself as it was proving too expensive on insurance.

Resident Rachael Lancashire, said: “I would like to say ‘Merry Christmas’ to the lovely people who did this a month and a half before Christmas.

“I hope on Christmas Day they can spare a thought for all those people who may not be having such a good time. One of the cars owners is seriously ill, and one couple have just moved in and were saving up for their first Christmas together.”

A resident of Brunswick Street - who labelled the vandals “scumbags” - said his friend saw a group of six lads aged around 16, running up Brunswick Street around the time of the incident. Vandals poured paint stripper over several parked cars.

Sgt Trevor Harrison said: “These were mindless acts of vandalism, which we are taking very seriously.

“Criminal damage has a big impact on people’s lives and we are appealing to the public to contact us if they have any information.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses, contact the Shaw and Royton neighbourhood policing team on 0161-856 8983 with any information.