A family in River is being plagued by vandals who have stuffed faeces through their door and thrown dead fish on their garage.

Graham Totterdell, 70, of Minnis Lane, said his wife April and daughters Freya, seven, and Chloe, five, have experienced horrific vandalism since buying the property in 2012.

The incidents began in August 2014 when the garage door was sprayed with orange paint and the area was covered in stringy foam.

Mr Totterdell, a former BT engineer, said: “For some unknown reason, suddenly there was a big orange spray mark on the door saying ‘UR next’ on it. We tried to get it off but in the end a new garage door had to be fitted.”

But little did he know the worst was yet to come in November.

He said: “Then we had someone throw crabs and dead fish all over the canopy and garage which made a hell of a mess.

“When the police came up, the stink made an officer feel so bad she was nearly sick.

“The seafood smell was horrendous, they must have been brought up in buckets in a car or a van.

“My wife was in tears. I thought I was going to retire in River with my wife and children but it’s been heartbreaking, all these problems.”

It took them two weeks to clear the area by using a strong outdoor detergent, which eventually cleared the air.

Mr Totterdell said that letters were also sent to neighbours claiming that his family was “trouble” and that an envelope was been posted through the door containing faeces.

It is understood the residents handed these letters back so they could be given to the police.
Then, in July, Mr Totterdell’s car was daubed in brake fluid which caused more than £3,500 to repair.

The building has needed extensive renovation, which means the house has not always been occupied, but it is hoped the family will move in permanently this month.

CCTV cameras have been installed at the front of the house in an attempt to see who is behind the attacks.

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of an isolated report of crimes involving the victims in August 2014 and November 2014 and in July of this year.

“No suspects have been identified and no other residents have been affected.”