VANDALS slashed the tyres of 17 vehicles on the Barton estate.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the attack during the early hours of Friday.

Cars, people carriers and vans were damaged between midnight and 4.30am in Mather Road and Stowford Road.

Police believe a knife was used to slash the tyres, causing more than £7,000 worth of damage.

Sgt Jim Holmes, of Thames Valley Police, said: “The Barton area was showing an improvement in anti-social behaviour and crime but this mindless act was aimed at undermining all that hard work.

“I really want to speak to anyone who may have any information that could help my investigation.

“Eyewitnesses say they heard a group of young people shouting in the street at about 4.30am who could be connected with the incident.”

Alan Foulkes, a development worker from the Barton Community Association, said the incident was uncommon.

He said: “Crime rates in Barton are very low and policing has made a big difference in the past five years - this kind of act is unusual and not acceptable.”

Anyone with information should telephone 08458 505505 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.