UK: Eco-vandals take on the gas-guzzlers

Police are searching for a gang of radical environmental activists after a series of attacks on 4×4 vehicles.

The gang, who claim to have targeted up to 80 vehicles across South Manchester, let down tyres and leave notes accusing the owners of adding to global warming and increasing the chances of road deaths.

In the last week tyres on 20 vehicles were slashed or deflated in the Ladybarn and Withington of the city. This follows similar attacks on 11 cars last month. Police classify the deliberate acts as criminal damage.

A statement from the activists said tyres were deflated rather than slashed. It added: “Given the threat of climate change and the Government’s inaction, direct action such as this is, unfortunately, necessary. Large SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) emit substantially more greenhouse gases.”

The statement also said accident victims were six times more likely to die if hit by an SUV rather than a smaller car.

The Independent