A car owner has issued a warning after he was targeted by an alleged serial tyre slasher.

Jason Stigler, 46, woke up one morning to find all four tyres on his Ford Transit which had been parked outside his girlfriend’s house in Challis Lane, Braintree, had been slashed with a sharp object.

With no obvious sign of a suspect, Mr Stigler, who owns a painting company, has had no choice but to fork out more than £500 on new tyres.

He has now issued a warning to other car owners in the district to be vigilant amid reports other residents have also had their wheels slashed in recent weeks.

Mr Stigler said: “I was about to leave for work when I noticed all my tyres were flat. I didn’t think much of it and went to blow them back up which is when I saw all the wheels had a tiny slit in them.

“It looks like they were stabbed or cut with a knife. Someone else’s car in the same road had the same thing.

“It could well have been someone thinking it’s funny but it really isn’t. It’s just pointless vandalism for no reason.

“I’ve probably lost about £1,100 overall with replacing the tyres and then loss of earnings as well because I’ve missed time at work.

“I spoke to the garage and I’ve heard there were three vans and a car in Great Notley which all had tyres slashed between Christmas and New Year.

“Someone must know who is doing it and if they do it needs to be stopped.”

Essex Police said officers are investigating the damage done to Mr Stigler’s wheels and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

The tyres are thought to have been slashed sometime between 10pm on Sunday, January 6 and 9.30am on Monday, January 7.

Anyone with information,are asked to contact police on 101.