VANDALS caused an explosion which badly damaged a telephone box in Colchester by planting a “crude” device in it, police said.

VANDALS caused an explosion which badly damaged a telephone box in Colchester by planting a “crude” device in it, police have said.

The incident happened in Blackberry Road, Stanway, at about 12.15am yesterday and three cars were seen leaving the scene together shortly afterwards.

Officers said they were thought to be a Ford Mondeo, with light panels at the front and dark at the back, a rally car with a stripped out interior and a Union Jack on one of the doors and a third car which there is no description of.

The cars left along Blackberry Road towards Tollgate Road.

Police said the incident appeared to be “wanton vandalism” rather than an attempt to harm anyone.

The remains of a “crude” device were found in the phone box close the post office afterwards and are being examined by forensic experts.

Anyone with information should contact Colchester CID on 0300 333 4444.