This is the scene one man came upon after thugs, emboldened by the spreading London riots, trashed his car for fun in Romford on the evening of Monday August 8.

A gang of yobs attacked Roger Driscoll’s blue Ford Focus estate between 8.30pm and 10.30pm, as he attended a meeting in St Edwards RC Church, in Park End Road.

In the frenzy, the bonnet and roof were badly dented - probably stamped on - the windscreen shattered, the a back window smashed, and the driver’s wing-mirror wrenched off.

Roger, a 63-year-old retiree from Epping, described the attack as “purely mindless vandalism”.

“I had heard there might be some trouble in the area,” he told the Recorder, “but the street is so quiet and residential I wasn’t particularly worried.

“I was in shock when I saw the damage; I just feel there are people today who have no respect for anything and no values.”

Repairers have estimated the damage could be as much �4,400, and Roger may be forced to write off his vehicle.

“Whatever way I look at it I will be out of pocket,” he said. “I think whoever has done this, no matter what their age, they should be forced to pay back the damage they’ve done - or their parents.”

It is believed a gang of around ten marauding youngsters carried out the attack.

A 17-year-old boy, from Upminster, was due before magistrates in Havering Youth Court today (Tuesday August 16), charged with violent disorder.

Anyone with information can call Romford police station on: 101