FOUR police cars were damaged so badly by vandals that they were put out of action.

The vehicles were parked in Norton Road in Hove last night, near to Hove Town Hall, when they were damaged between 10.50pm and 11.25pm.

Brighton and Hove chief superintendent Nick May said: “I am extremely disappointed that four of our vehicles have been targeted in this way.

“We have had to remove these vehicles from police action and the repairs for the damages will need to be paid for.

“This was a selfish act by a member or members of the public which will impact upon the effectiveness of the policing response across the city.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have information or witnessed this criminal damage being conducted to make contact with us to ensure robust action is taken against the perpetrators.”

Anyone who witnessed the cars being damaged is asked to report online at sussex.police.uk or to call 1010 and quote serial number 1793 of 26/06.