Police have released CCTV footage after a number of vehicles had their tyres slashed in Gateshead.

Officers are investigating a string of damages to car tyres in the area of Winlaton and Blaydon where a total of 44 vehicles were damaged throughout 2017.

Between January and November there were 35 cars damaged in the area whereby their tyres were slashed. There was also a further incident in November where a string of cars were damaged.

There was another spike in incidents over Christmas when a further nine vehicles had their tyres slashed, leaving owners hundreds of pounds out of pocket. Those incidents took place around the Parkhead Estate and Zion Terrace Winlaton.

An investigation into the damage is ongoing by officers at Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team and a 33-year-old has been arrested in relation to the incidents in December.

However, police believe more than one person are involved in the damages and are now releasing CCTV as part of an appeal for witnesses.

In that footage, from November 22, a man can be seen walking down Park Lane, Winlaton, with a walking stick and approaching a number of cars.

Sgt Warren Sturrock, of the Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team, says they want to speak to this man as part of their investigation as he may be able to help with their enquiries.

He said: "The CCTV footage is very unusual and we really need to speak to the individual involved as part of our investigation.

"We need to establish exactly what is happening on the CCTV and we would encourage this man to come forward or for anyone who knows who he is to get in touch.

"There has been an unusually high number of vehicles damaged in the Winlaton area recently and one man has already been arrested in connection with some of the damage.

“However, we believe there is more than one offender involved and so would encourage anyone who has any information about the incidents to get in touch.

"When you add up all the damage being caused to these vehicles it amounts to thousands of pounds and so we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously.”

Anyone with information, or who knows the identity of the man in the CCTV, should contact police on 101 extension 64585 or by emailing 473@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.