VANDALS blighted the Bank Holiday weekend by damaging a street packed with cars and causing up to £18,000 damage.

They used keys to score the paintwork on 22 cars as their wrecking spree took them along Knight Street, Lambert Road, Comer Road, Oldbury Road, and past University College Worcester.

Residents in St John's, Worcester, discovered the damage on Sunday morning - and were appalled to find there was yet more damage yesterday morning.

Vicky Jones had only had her Nissan Micra for one week before it was scratched.

"I feel devastated and can't really claim on the insurance as I've only just started the policy," said the 36-year-old receptionist, of Knight Street.

"I know it's only an old banger but it's criminal damage. It's disgraceful."

Stephen Conway, also of Knight Street, has been quoted £800 to repair the damage to his Vauxhall Corsa.

"I just can't believe anybody would stoop to that level," said the 46-year-old postal worker.

Andrew Pratley's household in Lambert Road has had two cars damaged.

"It's terrible and we are pretty disgusted," said the 46-year-old warehouse worker.

In addition, the garage of an elderly couple, one of whom has just returned home from having an operation was sprayed with graffiti on Friday night.

Katherine Knight, of Melrose Close, who is in her 70s, said: "It makes you annoyed and upset."

Lorraine James, manager of the nearby Garibaldi pub, said it had been a peaceful weekend and didn't think it could have been any of her customers.

"I'd like to get who ever has done it to come and clean it off," she added.

University College Worcester students have in the past been blamed for incidents of vandalism, prompting UCW to install a 24-hour helpline for concerned residents.

However, a spokesman for UCW said it was highly unlikely that students were to blame. "There are no undergraduate students currently living or studying on campus, so the chance of student involvement is improbable," said. Worcester Police are appealing for witnesses to incidents along the same route on both nights, between 6pm and midnight.

Anyone with information should call 08457 444888.