A woman has hit out at vandals who may have ruined her prized car in a case of mistaken identity.

Lorraine Mann's Citroen Saxo was covered in paintstripper. It will cost £2,300 to put right, and so the car is now a write-off.

Ms Mann, 44, of Portland Crescent, Dovercourt, said some "boy racers" drove the same make of car, and she thought the vandals may have mistaken her vehicle for someone else's they held a grudge against.

She said: "I am really angry, it's been wrecked. I suffer from panic attacks and I can't get out of town.

"My car is my safety net, and this has really put me on a bit of a downer."

Anyone who knows anything about the incident should call Harwich police on 01255 241312.

Published Monday May 24, 2004

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