POLICE have launched an investigation after hundreds of tyres were deflated by activists in a single night.

The Tyre Extinguishers said its supporters targeted 250 SUVS in Brighton and Hove on Monday night.

The group said it did so in an attempt to “make it impossible” to own the vehicles in urban areas.

Sussex Police said they received a number of reports of vehicles having their tyres deflated and are linking the activity to the environmental activists.

Drivers in Dawson Terrace, Brighton, woke to find at least five vehicles on the street had been targeted. 

Inspector Nicky Stuart from Brighton and Hove’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We understand the impact these crimes have on the community, and I would like to reassure the public that our officers are working hard to catch those responsible.

The Argus: Car tyres deflated in Preston Park, BrightonCar tyres deflated in Preston Park, Brighton

“We are exploring several lines of enquiry, but as always the public are our eyes and ears. If you see anything suspicious, have relevant dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage, or any information that could help, contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Extinguisher.”

The Tyre Extinguishers said the latest round of action shows an escalation in the campaign to tackle SUVS, which it describes as “a climate disaster, dangerous and unnecessary”.

The group had previously declared Brighton and Hove “the most extinguished city in the UK”, with more tyres deflated here than anywhere else in the country.

Cars in Preston Park, Balfour Road, Lowther Road and Maldon Road in Brighton, The Drive in Hove and Newells Close in Woodingdean, were among those targeted in a two-month period.

Drivers woke to find at least one of their tyres had been let down and a leaflet stating “your gas guzzler kills” placed on their windscreen.

Marion Walker, of the Tyre Extinguishers, said: "It's exciting to see how fast the campaign is spreading.

“Anyone can join in where they are. We want to see SUVs put in the dustbin of history, and this is the fastest way to do it."

The group describes itself as “leaderless” and encourages people to take action by reading instructions on how to deflate tyres on its website.