A GROUP of St John's Ambulance volunteers have been left dismayed after receiving no immediate police response when £5,000 worth of damage was caused to their cars.

Ten vehicles belonging to the volunteers suffered damage, including broken wing mirrors, smashed tail lights and dents.

However, after reporting this to the police they say they were told that without CCTV it was classed as an "unidentifiable crime". They did not attend.

Police have since issued an appeal for information following the incident, which took place in a car park close to Fosters Park, St Helens on Monday, February 12 between 7.15pm and 9.15pm.

Dean Taylor, 28, an events manager with St John's Ambulance on Railway Street, who also lives in the area, said: "We really do feel let down.

"When I called police to report what happened they said they were aware that there was a gang of youths causing trouble in the area.

"Being from around here myself I know that is true – however the police did not respond, despite the fingerprint and possible DNA evidence they have left on the cars.

"Given they knew it was a problem, why wasn't there a police presence in the area?

"All together the damage will cost us around £5,000 in total to fix.

"Considering that we are the people standing outside the Saints stadium trying to look after the community on a regular basis, it's shocking that no one could even attend to make sure it was correctly investigated."

Merseyside Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage to contact them.

Local Policing Inspector Matt Drennan said: "These incidents are completely unacceptable, causing distress and inconvenience to car owners. To reassure the local community we are putting high visibility patrols in the area which will also help us gather more information.

"I would urge anyone with information to do the right thing and come forward, whether you know who is involved or witnessed anything on Monday night.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone from Railway Street who has CCTV in their homes and may have captured footage of the offenders, which may be vital to our enquiries."

Anyone with information can contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, or call 101, or the Crimestoppers line anonymously and for free on 0800 555111.