MORE than 20 motorists are now believed to have fallen victim to vandals who slashed tyres in an extensive wrecking spree.

Drivers in Astley Bridge, Sharples and Bromley Cross found the side walls of their wheels had been punctured overnight between Sunday and Monday.

Anthony Scowcroft, manager of AB Tyres in Viola Street, Astley Bridge, said: “We have seen loads of them. We have changed probably 30 tyres on 20-odd cars.

“They were being brought in by the AA and RAC and we went out and changed a few. Lots of people haven’t reported it because it’s not worth paying the insurance excess.”

Investigating officer PC Nicola Holt, of Bromley Cross, Bradshaw, Astley Bridge and Crompton neighbourhood team, said: “There are 19 offences up to now, but there are probably more that haven’t been reported.”

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of damaging motor vehicles and bailed.

Police say they are actively looking for a second male.