Police have arrested five teenagers on suspicion of causing criminal damage after cars were squirted with bright paints.

The arrests followed as many as 20 reports of cars being vandalised with brightly coloured water-based paints between July 4 and July 17.

On Friday KentOnline revealed how an elderly man’s car was trashed in the Memorial Park where it had been parked overnight.

Since then we received dozens of other reports, where the youths were suspected of driving around and squirting the paint from a car window.

Mum Christene Wilmont was driving past the Memorial Park when she saw the elderly man’s car.

She said: “I’m absolutely horrified this is happening in Herne Bay, especially to the elderly man who has to clean up this mess.

“It’s the third car we have seen in a week, I bet the poor fella is gutted that it’s happened. He seemed to be a really nice guy.”

Meanwhile Maria Grenham said her 17-year-old daughter Atlanta has also been a victim. Ms Grenham said: “Her car was hit on Wednesday night with pink and orange gel type paint and a couple of eggs.

“She was horrified and so worried her car was ruined, she is a learner and has her test coming up and she thought someone was being nasty, but couldn’t understand why.

“Then after posting pictures on Facebook she realised she wasn’t the only victim in Herne Bay.”

A police spokesman said five teenagers have been arrested over the weekend and released on police bail while the investigation continues.

They include a 19-year-old man from Herne Bay, an 18-year-old woman from Herne Bay, an 18-year-old woman from Canterbury, a 17-year-old boy from Herne Bay and an 18-year old man from Herne Bay.

Investigating officer Sgt Colette Todd said any witnesses or people with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222 289 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting incident number ZY/021320/15.

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