A CATAPULT is being used to target vehicles and homes in a spate of dangerous drive-by attacks across north Kent.

Kent Police has received reports of the weapon firing ball bearings and smooth stones at cars, vans and houses in Greenhithe, South Darenth and Sevenoaks.

Although the first incident was logged in September, the investigation to catch the catapult firer was stepped up following reports of 13 incidents in one day last week.

One of the many attacks on October 15 involved the firing of a small object at a van travelling along London Road in Greenhithe that damaged the passenger window.

Two days previously, on October 13, a car window was smashed in Holmesdale Hill in South Darenth.

The first incident was on September 30 in Hedge Place Road, Greenhithe, where a ball bearing struck a front door, causing a hole and damage to the internal door.

Officers are now trying to trace a silver Volkswagen Golf and a black Volkswagen Passat that have been in the different areas close to the time of the incidents.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact DC Tony Devito by calling 101.

A 23-year-old man from Greenhithe and a 24-year-old man from Dartford were arrested on October 16 in connection with the incidents. They have both been bailed until November 15 pending further enquiries.