A DEFIANT pensioner whose car was targeted by vandals says she will not be put off parking in a busy town centre car park.

Essex Police has launched an investigation after a 79-year-old woman was verbally abused and had her car vandalised in Weavers Car Park, Halstead, when she parked in a family space because all the disabled bays were full.

The victim, who was with her 93-year-old friend at the time, was shouted and sworn at by a man who was with his partner and young child.

After attempting to defuse the situation by walking away from the car park, the elderly woman returned to find one of her tyres had been let down and an extremely explicit word had been scratched into one of her wing mirrors. The Gazette has chosen not to share the word or the picture due to its vile and crude nature.

The pensioner said: “I showed them the Blue Badge and explained it was for my friend but they wouldn’t listen. I only use the Blue Badge when I have my friend with me. She had an operation on her knee and can’t walk very far anymore.

“I checked with the council and they said I am allowed to park in those spaces.”

A staff member from the nearby Halstead Tyre Company was on hand to inflate the victim’s tyre free of charge and help cover up the vandalism on the wing of the car.

Despite her traumatic experience, the pensioner, who has lived in Halstead for 52 years, says she will not be put off. She said: “My friend was quite shocked and shaken from it. But I think she was more worried for me.I’m not going to let them intimidate me.”

The incident took place between 10.15am and 11.30am on Friday, November 10. Both suspects are white and aged in their 30s. Anyone with information call police on 101.