4x4s at risk from climate protesters

CLIMATE protesters are calling for 4x4 vehicles’ tyres to be deflated in Glasgow following a spate of attacks across the country.

A group called the Tyre Extinguishers revealed they deflated the tyres of around 20 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in Edinburgh in a bid to “make it impossible” to own such cars in cities.

They targeted the vehicles in the early hours of Sunday morning. In a tweet posted on Sunday, the group mentioned Glasgow.

The post read: “Last night: Edinburgh Tyre Extinguishers strike for at least fifth time.

“SUVs disarmed in the posh Bruntsfield area last night. Brighton, London, Bristol – looks like Edinburgh is coming for your record!

“Where’s Glasgow at?” In another tweet, they asked: “Where are our Glasgow people at? Want to get involved? Email us at tyreextinguishers@riseup.net.”

In total, the group estimates it has deflated tyres on around 200 cars in Edinburgh since March.

Similar attacks took place in Glasgow when COP26 was being held in the city last November. Flyers were left on the targeted cars by anonymous protesters.

A spokesperson for the Tyre Extinguishers said: “We are defending ourselves against climate change, air pollution and unsafe drivers.

“We do this with a simple tactic: Deflating the tyres of these massive, unnecessary vehicles, causing inconvenience for their owners. Deflating tyres repeatedly and encouraging others to do the same will turn the minor inconvenience of a flat tyre into a giant obstacle for driving massive, killer vehicles around our streets.

“We’re taking this action because governments and politicians have failed to protect us from these huge vehicles. Everyone hates them, apart from the people who drive them.”

Police Scotland said it received several reports of tyres being deflated.