Vandal's window smashing spree

The flat's octogenarian occupant, a former RAF serviceman, was woken by the crash of imploding glass at around 5am.

Later, Jim Winter, chairman of the Ashtead Towers Residents' Company for the past 23 years, said; "It was a cruel and mindless thing to do.

"Let alone the terrifying effect on the gentleman inside, the flying flints could also have caused personal injury. As it is, it will cost several hundreds of pounds to make good the damage."

Mr Winter praised Francis Jones of Property Solutions who responded quickly to the problem and boarded up the damaged panes to secure the flat against intruders and the weekend's bad weather.

But he added: "It's something that shouldn't have needed doing in the first place."

Police say the incident was one of six reported cases of windows being smashed in the town early on Saturday morning. The suspect is described as male, slim, around 5ft 4ins tall and was wearing a black and white hooded top.

Properties were also attacked in Clifford Road, Marina and De La Warr Parade.

Police enquiries are continuing and CCTV footage is being examined for clues as to the offender's identity.

Anyone with information who may be able to assist should call police on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.