The latest damage is expected to total more than £10,000 and British Waterways today had teams cleaning up the site near to Meadow Park Road, Wollaston.

During the mindless attack around 8.30 last night a red Volvo parked nearby was smashed up and pushed down a bank into the water.

Vandals also chopped down a number of trees lining the towpath and sawed the end off a lock arm.

The damage came to light when emergency services were called to the scene after residents reported a car sinking into the canal.

There were fears a driver was trapped inside and firefighters had to wade into check the vehicle had nobody inside.

But the car was empty and crews called in British waterways when they realised the area had been targeted by vandals.

In recent years, nearly £300,000 has been spent on improving the canalside around the Stourbridge lock flight, but vandalism is undermining much of the good work.

Phil Hickman, waterway supervisor for the Stourbridge Canal said he hoped local people will support the efforts of his team in the area.

Anyone who has anything to report has been asked to contact West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000.

By Ben Lammas

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