GIGGLING yobs smashed 40 car windows in a 20 minute smashing spree across a Weymouth housing estate.

A group of hooded youths were seen hitting cars with what is believed were hammers or similar sized tools and were heard laughing as they left a trail of broken glass in what was described as a ‘car massacre’ across seven streets in Littlemoor.

Residents were woken just before midnight on Tuesday by the sound of cars being damaged and looked out of their windows to see what they believed were teenagers running past and hitting cars indiscriminately.

Drivers were left counting the cost of the damage yesterday with the police predicting the total repair bill could reach as much as £20,000.

Police have so far received reports of 40 cars being attacked but the number is likely to rise as more damage is discovered.

The trail of destruction started in the Kestrel View end of Littlemoor and the youths were seen running through alleyways and ending up in Brisbane Road and Canberra Crescent where 12 cars were hit.

Emily Wanless, of The Doves, said she heard the group laughing as they hit cars.

She said: “Every time we heard a bang they would laugh.

“We heard a bang and a giggle and then they did it again,” added Emily, 32.

“We heard them running around the alley giggling and when my partner went out they giggled when they saw him and left.”

Ashley Clarke, 18, heard the cars being damaged later in Brisbane Road.

He said: “I heard this big smash and looked out of the window and saw these three lads running and smashing car windows with what looked like a hammer.”

Mr Clarke said he saw them hit five cars.

“The last one they hit was a 4x4 and the car alarm went off so they ran off,” he added.

Mr Clarke said the police arrived within two minutes but the vandals had fled through alleyways.

PC Kevin Eames of Weymouth police said some of the rear windows are expected to cost up to £700 to replace with the total cost for all cars expected to be between £16,000 and £20,000.

PC Eames said: “For them to go that distance in 20 minutes they must have been really running.

“They do appear to be youths rather than adults.”

The criminal damage is believed to have been carried out from 11.30pm to 11.50pm on Tuesday night. Anybody who has discovered damage to their car is asked to call police so that forensic tests can be carried out.

It is believed the damage was caused by three young men wearing hooded tops. Any witnesses or anyone with information can call PC Eames on 01305 222222.