More than a dozen cars were targeted by rampaging vandals in an area fed-up residents say is blighted by crime.

Families, including young children, were woken in the early hours by shouting and swearing by an aggressive gang in the Irvine Drive area of Margate - with one thug liberally yelling the c-word.

Car windows were smashed and wing mirrors were broken in the relentless attack after 4am, with some vehicles being jumped on.

One resident told how when their husband shouted at the group from a window, he was told: “Come down here and I will cut you up.”

Vehicles in Irvine Drive, William Avenue, Tomlin Drive and Friends Avenue were among those targeted in the wrecking spree.

Mum-of-two Tray Bella, 38, was woken by the four yobs but she believes it was only one of them who took part in the vandalism.

She witnessed wing mirrors being kicked and one thug jumping on a car, causing damage to the windscreen.

"There are always fights, drunk people and motorbikes zooming around, it’s an absolute nightmare," she said.

"I’ve been here for 13 years and it’s been so bad over the past couple of years.

"It’s always worse in the summer so we always pray for winter because it’s not so bad."

Ms Bella, who has stage three bowel cancer, has not left her home for a year because she is receiving chemotherapy and has to isolate amid the pandemic.

"It’s horrendous because I need to relax and I can’t sleep," she added.

"I’ve been having cancer treatment for two years and I’m constantly being woken up, which isn’t fair as I’m throwing up but can’t get back to sleep.

"There are some absolutely lovely people and my neighbours have looked after me because of my cancer, but there is a small group making it hell for everyone."

The exact extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed, but Ms Bella knows of at least 16 cars that were damaged.

A police spokesperson confirmed officers are investigating reports that a number of cars were damaged in the Irvine Drive area of Margate between 4am and around 5am today.

"Officers attended the area and are continuing inquiries including identifying potential CCTV opportunities," they said.

Anyone who believes their car was damaged during this time and has not yet reported it, or any witnesses who have not yet made themselves known, is urged to do so by calling 101 or via the Kent Police website here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

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