DETECTIVES are hunting a “disgruntled” carol singer who they believe sang one line of We Wish You A Merry Christmas, demanded cash and then ripped down a homeowner's lights after he was turned away without payment.

DETECTIVES are hunting a “disgruntled” carol singer who they believe sang one line of We Wish You A Merry Christmas, demanded cash and then ripped down a homeowner's lights after he was turned away without payment.

The owner of the property, a mother-of-two, last night warned residents to be on their guard and joined police in issuing an urgent appeal for witnesses following the incident.

On two separate nights, the young boy sang just one line of the classic Christmas tune before asking for money from homeowners in Talbot Road, Sudbury.

Police now believe the teenager - who sang with his hands in his pockets and had no charity collection tin - could have been responsible for the vandalism after he was turned away.

Speaking exclusively to the EADT, the mother-of-two, who did not want to be named, said: “It is not about the damage or any financial costs - I am just worried what would happen if he had targeted an elderly persons' house.

“It would be a great shock for them or there could be more serious damage. I would urge any residents, especially elderly ones, not to answer the door unless they are sure.

“If it had been for charity, like when youngsters come round with a tin singing carols, I would have been all for it.

“It was definitely not for charity - he was just trying to get money for himself. He only sang one line of We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

Police last night said they were hunting a “lone disgruntled carol singer” who ripped down the icicle lights from the house after his performance.

The damage took place at about 8pm on Sunday after a boy, believed to be between 14 and 16 years old, sang carols outside.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said it is believed he then ripped down the lights and fled the scene.

The victim added: “He had been to my house and my neighbours' house on two occasions and we both just apologised and said we had no cash.

“We didn't see the lights being ripped off, but we heard it and it happened moments after the boy sang.

“We heard someone run away but where we live is right in the corner of a cul-de-sac so they could have made a quick getaway.”

The youngster had blonde hair and was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms, a jacket with the hood up and glasses.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Pc Jon Gerrish at Sudbury police station on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

dave.gooderham@eadt.co.uk