Kentish Express Ashford & District
19 cars damaged in catapult attack on the same road
Officers use drone after motorists targeted
More than a dozen cars were hit by catapulted projectiles along one road in one day.
A line of drivers had to stop and assess damage after being shot at near Mock Lane outside Singleton last month, with police using a drone in an attempt to identify suspects.
Many of the attacked drivers said it happened outside Chilmington traveller site, which is authorised and managed by Ashford Borough Council.
One witness said at least 19 cars were targeted, with cars dented, windows smashed and number plates broken.
Another affected motorist recounted: “I had passed two drivers along the Bucksford Lane/Mock Lane junction that had parked up and were looking at their cars.
“I wasn’t sure what had happened at that point.
“I then turned left, passing the travellers’ camp on the right when I was hit. Whatever was shot, it just missed the window.
“I pulled in at the back entrance of the environmental centre as I didn’t want to stop near where it happened. Several cars pulled up immediately after me and then more after.
“There were two work vans, a man in a black car, all had bodywork damage, then a lady in a blue car who’s side window was smashed. A lady behind me with bodywork damage, then another two cars that were hit on the roof with no damage.
“I did call 999 from the road but was told it was a non emergency although I told them multiple cars had been hit. Two other drivers called 999 and were told a police car was on its way, which was very confusing.
“I left once I knew the police were on their way as I had my youngest son in the car. Several people had children with them.”
The victims have since received a notice from the police to say the case is “filed pending any further information coming to light, due to there being no reasonable lines of enquiry to pursue that would lead us identifying a suspect.”
A police spokesman said: “We received five reports of cars travelling in the Singleton area of Ashford being damaged at about 3pm on Monday, October 28.
“Officers attended the scene and conducted a search of the area, with the assistance of a drone, but no suspects were located.”
Inquiries to establish the full circumstances of how the vehicles were damaged are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/207287/19.