A woman was left shocked and stunned when more than £2,000 worth of damage was caused to her car after a row with mourners.

The incident happened in Heronsgate, Frinton, as the woman was trying to leave in her blue Ford Cougar car from the cul-de-sac with her 78-year-old father to visit her terminally-ill mother in Colchester General Hospital.

PC Phil Robinson, of Walton police, said: "The funeral procession was gathered outside a house. The victim was in her car and could not get past the procession."

He said she waited two or three minutes then approached the funeral director and other people by the car and asked if they could just move the cars so she could get passed.

"An altercation took place and then up to eight members of the party surrounded the car and kicked it, tried to get in and spat on it," he said.

PC Robinson said the woman had got into her car for safety.

He said the car was smashed and £2,000 of damage was caused.

The incident happened on May 27 at 1.40pm.

Anyone with information that could help should contact PC Robinson at Walton police station on 01255 851212.

Published Thursday August 19, 2004

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