A car was targeted by catapult-wielding thugs in the latest in a string of attacks across a Kent town.

The window of a silver Volkswagen Polo was smashed outside a family home in Adams Drive, Willesborough, Ashford, on Friday.

Images sent to KentOnline show the extent of the damage to the hatchback, with the entire window shattered and glass sprawled across the driver seat.

It belonged to an Adams Drive resident and one of three people living at their property.

They say they left for the gym at about 5.30pm before returning home to see the damage at about 7pm.

“I saw glass on the ground next to the car - my first thought was maybe someone smashed a glass bottle but I went to check anyway,” they said.

“Then I saw more glass than expected by the window and, at first, thought maybe someone had tried to break into the car.

“I called my sister who returned home with her boyfriend who owns the car.

“We then had a look inside where I found a metal pellet - then knew it was a catapult.”

Police say they are now appealing for information in a bid to help their investigation.

A spokesman said: “We received a report of criminal damage caused to a car in Willesborough at about 8pm on Friday.

“Officers are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage, or CCTV which could assist their inquiries, to come forward.

“Witnesses should call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/61425/25.”

Although it is not illegal to possess a catapult in public in England, an arrest is possible if it is clear one has been used to cause damage or harm - or if police believe there is intent to do so.

Friday’s attack comes less than two months after yobs were recorded parading a dead seagull after killing it, and two others, in Beaver Road on February 22.

A window in Aylesford Place was also smashed in January, while the owner of a black Audi was left in shock after her stationary car in Stanhope’s Bregdar Close was targeted in similar fashion shortly after Christmas.

KentOnline has previously revealed how Ashford is the “catapult capital” of the county.

A response from Kent Police to our Freedom of Information request showed the borough had 218 recorded incidents between 2018 and June 2023, with the next highest being Maidstone with 145.