Cars damaged in a spate of vandalism over the weekend appeared to have been shot at with an air weapon, police have confirmed.

Suffolk Constabulary multiple calls in the early hours of Saturday morning, reporting cars being vandalised in the Moreton Hall estate in Bury St Edmunds.

Members of the public reported hearing windscreens smashed while smoke bombs were seen in Daisy Avenue.

At least 10 cars are thought to have been damaged in the attack, which is estimated to have cost thousands of pounds.

As previously reported, police arrested three men in connection with the incident – all of whom were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning before being released on bail until Friday, October 19.

In an updated statement, released this afternoon, police provided extra information about the incident.

“Officers arrived at the scene within a matter of minutes and discovered that at least 10 cars had sustained damage to windows and bodywork, which appeared consistent with being shot at by an air weapon,” a police spokesman said.

“Local officers searched the area, assisted by the police Dog Unit and the Roads and Armed Policing Team, and just after 1.30am detained three men aged 24, 22, and 18, in Skyliner Way. Three air weapons along with ammunition were also seized during the search.”

People living in the estate said they believed the attacks had been carried out as reprisals to complaints about boy racers. Others highlighted ongoing concerns with violence, which is said to have previously involved smoke bombs being put through letter boxes.

Witnesses or people with information are asked to contact Bury St Edmunds Neighbourhood Response Team on 101 quoting reference 55986/18. Alternatively people can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.