Police are warning drivers to be vigilant after cheeky foxes chewed through the brake lines of six cars in Tunbridge Wells.

The damage happened in the St James' and Langton Green areas over the past fortnight.

A wildlife expert has confirmed the damage was innocent and likely caused by foxes and their cubs while resting under the vehicles.

Inspector Christian Mayers, from the Tunbridge Wells community safety unit, said: "Each of the incidents were quickly noticed by the driver, as they have attempted to drive off from being parked. No one has been injured as a result of this.

"These reports are very unusual and, as a precaution, I would encourage motorists to safely apply their brakes before they set off on a journey."

Foxes are capable of chewing through pipes.

A police investigation in 2009 concluded they were the culprits behind a spate of similar damage in West Wickham.

Over several months nine vehicles were damaged until the culprit was finally identified as a fox with an apparent taste for brake fluid.

It is possible the animals may be attracted to a chemical called glycol.

Though toxic, it has a sweet taste known to attract several species, including pine martens, which are known to target cars in the Black Forest in Germany.

If brakes are damaged most cars will display a warning light on the dashboard.

Police are also advising motorists to regularly inspect the underside of their vehicles and to regularly wash their cars to remove any scents left by foxes.

Alternatively, there are many animal repellents available to keep foxes away.