Drivers left counting the cost after spate of vehicle attacks in Hebburn street

Owners of the two cars and two vans woke to find the windows of the vehicles had been smashed out.

A blue Hyundai Getz, another small car, a works van and a taxi were targeted while they were parked up in East Street, Hebburn.

A sheet was used by Darren Murphy to keep out the rain following the vandal attack.

Police are investigating the incidents, with forensic officers sent to gather evidence from the scene earlier today.

It does not appear that anything of value has been taken, but the damage to the windows and glove boxes is likely to run into thousands pf pounds.

Darren Murphy rents the mini bus taxi and runs services for Ken's Minibus Service.

He had been due to collect a number of fares during today, which had to be passed on to another driver, while his vehicle awaited repair ahead of his night shift.

The smashed out window of Darren Murphy's taxi bus.

The 34-year-old said: "My partner work me up this morning at 7.15am and told me that my vehicle, my neighbour's vehicle and also a van and a car on the opposite side of the road all had their windows smashed.

"I went and had a look and one of the neighbours called the police and they sent the forensics down to take finger prints.

"Now I'm basically left putting my bus back together.

"There's nothing obvious that's been stolen so I think it's just been chance that it's been done to mine.

One of the cars damaged in the break ins.

"They've done something to the meter that tells me the fares and the hackney machine out, they've pulled it out, maybe thinking there's some money in there, but I'm never going to leave any cash in there overnight.

"I'm waiting for someone to come and fix the window and that's cost me £95, but I need it to be ready for work."

Northumbria Police say inquiries are ongoing and have asked anyone with information to call 101, quoting incident number 266 of today's date, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.