Eastleigh police are hunting a gang of teenagers who caused over £2,500 worth of damage to more than 20 vehicles in the Fair Oak area over the weekend.

They are appealing for information from the public which could help

positively identify the mindless wreckers.

The wave of wanton damage happened in the central Fair Oak village area between Wyvern School and Mears Road between the hours of 2am and 3am yesterday.

Police say a sharp-bladed knife and other instruments were used by up to four male youths who were seen slashing the tyres of two of the vehicles involved in the crime spree. The youths are believed to be aged between 14 and 17 years.

Over recent years Fair Oak has been plagued with vandalism which has left council tax payers to pick up the tab for a bill running into thousands of pounds.

Bus shelters have been set on fire and telephone boxes smashed, play equipment destroyed and playing pitches ripped up.

Picnic benches at Knowle Hill - a local beauty spot - have also come under attack.

Since CCTV cameras were installed at the New Century Park, near the Shorts Road village hall, there has been a marked decrease in the outbreaks of vandalism.

Cameras in the sky have also been introduced to protect other recreation areas.

A parish council spokesman said: "Things had quietened down but we are concerned to hear about this latest disgusting behaviour."

The village authority says it will prosecute anyone it catches wilfully damaging parish property.

Anyone with information which could help police inquiries is asked to contact the crimedesk at Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545.