Youths using a catapult are believed to be behind a string of attacks on the windows of shops, houses and cars in South Oxfordshire.

Police believe the youths have been touring the district in a white van, targeting property in the past week. While one youth drives the van, another leans out of the window shooting a catapult at windows.

There have been six incidents in Abingdon, three in Didcot and two in Sutton Courtenay.

In the most serious incident customers in the front bar of the Brewery Tap pub, in Ock Street, Abingdon, were startled when one of the front windows was shattered, sending shards of glass over the floor.

At first it was thought to have been an airgun pellet but glaziers replacing the window said it had been broken by a small stone.

The window was a century old and one of the originals in the former Morland brewery offices. The window - etched with the old Morland symbol and wording - could not be repaired and had to be replaced with plain glass.

The front window of Stokes China Parlour, in Stert Street, was pierced, possibly by a small stone, and Hadleigh's china store, in High Street, had its front window smashed by a pebble.

The recently closed Beadles shop, also in Ock Street, had a window broken..

Detective Inspector David McCorkell said: "We have reports of a white van being seen in the areas in the late afternoon and early evening with an occupant attacking windows with either an air gun or catapult.

"Fortunately no one has been hurt yet but if it continues we could be dealing with something far more serious."

**Anyone with information should call the police on 01235 776000.