YOBS armed with fireworks went on a rampage wrecking nine cars.

Four people were arrested after the trashing spree which saw over £700 damage caused to the vehicles.

Police were called to Lake Meadows, in Radford Crescent, and the Queens Park estate, both in Billericay, after youths began hurling fireworks.

Nine vehicles had windows smashed or wing mirrors broken off in Knightsbridge Walk, Dorset Way, The Pantiles, Moat Edge Gardens, Alyssum Walk and Chestwood Close.

Four people were arrested following the incident and police have upped patrols to prevent further incidents.

Sgt Cath Henderson, of Billericay neighbourhood policing team, said: “Officers are conducting extensive house to house inquiries, and searching all local CCTV to identify members of groups out in Billericay that night.”

In response to the wrecking spree officers were out in force last Sunday and carried out 40 stop-checks targeting anyone suspected of carrying fireworks or being involved in antisocial behaviour.

All the parents of those stopped will get letters from police warning them their children have been getting up to no good.

Following the wrecking spree, which happened at 8pm on Halloween, a 17-year-old boy from Billericay was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firework, and was issued with an £80 fine.

A 19-year-old man from Billericay and a 17-year-old boy from Wickford, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and throwing fireworks in a public place. Both were released on police bail until January.

Police also arrested a 20-year-old man from Brentwood, on suspicion of possession of cannabis, resisting arrest, throwing fireworks in a public place, criminal damage and an assault on a constable. He was released on bail until January.

Anyone with information about the incident can call 0300 3334444.