“MINDLESS thugs” are causing chaos with a spate of vandalism in a rural village.

Over the past six weeks, residents in Great Bromley have seen trees and road signs in the village damaged and sprayed with graffiti, and cars being driven on playing fields.

On Saturday, eight cars which had been parked at the village hall had their tyres slashed between 7pm and 10.35pm.

Tendring councillor for the village Fred Nicholls said: “It is a worrying time.

“It is very sad mindless thugs would decide to go out and do this.”

Anyone with any information can call police at Harwich on 101.