VANDALS smashed bricks and stones through the windows of two businesses, causing £3,000 of damage.

Two business owners have had to fork out thousands of pounds to to replace their windows after an attack by “mindless vandals”.

Autoprint, in Hamilton Street, Parkeston, had 14 of its windows broken by thugs which has cost the company £1,000 to repair.

Simon Pitham, owner of Autoprint, said: “It’s just mindless vandalism.

“We had bricks thrown at the front door and stones thrown at double glazed units.

“It happened on a Friday night and 14 windows were broken.”

He said the final window has now been replaced and it was the first time the business had been vandalised in years.

“We are just very disappointed,” he added.

The second business which was vandalised was Stanley Baker Studios, in Tyler Street, Parkeston.

A spokesman for Stanley Baker Studios said: “It’s totalled to £2,000 of damage.

“We try and support the local community and people have gone and vandalised our building.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We received reports that windows were smashed at two businesses by suspects throwing rocks.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference numbers 42/16923/18 or 42/15956/17 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”