Slingshots found after cars and buildings targeted

A number of slingshots believed to have been used in a spate of ball bearing attacks on cars, buildings and bus stops have been recovered, police said.

Officers are investigating several reports of criminal damage in areas of Nottingham and elsewhere in the county between 13 and 20 March.

Metal balls were recovered after windows were smashed in Bestwood, Arnold, Calverton and Sherwood.

The force initially believed a BB gun may have been used in the attacks but said the slingshots were found in searches made after the arrests of three suspects.

The suspects, aged 18, 20 and 29, were initially arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage.

They were detained after an officer stopped a car in Daleside Road, Nottingham, at about 21:10 GMT on Thursday.

All three have been released on conditional bail as the force made a further appeal for information on Monday.

Det Insp James Oakton said: "A number of residents have had their cars and homes damaged during this series of incidents.

"Firing metal projectiles like this at properties and vehicles, whether using an air weapon or a slingshot, is very dangerous and people could easily have been struck or injured by broken glass.

"We also understand the cost and inconvenience of having your property damaged in this way."

Anyone with information or relevant video footage is urged to call police.

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.