A “PHANTOM car vandal” was caught red-handed by a dad, who man-handled him to the floor moments after witnessing him damage a car.

Residents on Green Lane in Eastwood, have battled against cars being “mysteriously vandalised” for years, with cars being scratched and tyres being popped.

Peter Walton, 47, whose son’s tyre was popped last week, decided to sit outside in his van keeping watch in case the “tyre slasher” returned.

CCTV footage captured a man pop the tyre of a Ford Fiesta, before Mr Walton witnessed a man scratch the same car the following day.

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Mr Walton leapt into action and pinned the man, who allegedly had a screwdriver in his hand, to his van until police arrived.

He said: “I just had a thought, what if he returned the night after.

“I heard my sons’s car being scratched and jumped out of the van.

“I pinned him up against the van. He kept trying to get away, but I turned him around and restrained him.

“The neighbours all heard the commotion and had rung the police.

“When we moved here a few years ago, we were told this had been going on for years.”

The family will now pay more than £500 to get the car fixed.

In June, the Echo reported that Essex Police had launched extra patrols in response to a spike in cars being damaged.

Wing mirrors had been ripped off and tyres had been slashed along Green Lane, Symons Avenue, and Flamboro Close.

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “A man has been arrested following reports a vehicle was damaged in Green Lane on 2 August.

“It was reported two tyres had been damaged.

“A 75 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has since been released under investigation.

“Our enquiries are ongoing “If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/157412/21.”