POLICE have finally named their prime suspects in a case which saw a mysterious visitor unscrupulously cut motorists’ brake cables.

But there will be no need for handcuffs as foxes with a fondness for brake fluid appear to be guilty as charged.

Puzzled cops launched an investigation in February when drivers started complaining a dangerous crook was on the loose, slashing brake cables and putting lives at risk.

The West Wickham Safer Neighbourhood Team feared the worst when cars in Wood Lodge Lane, Stambourne Way and Aberdre Close came under attack.

As part of their investigation, officers studied CCTV footage in the area and crucially gathered forensic evidence.

The damaged brake cables ended up in the hands of Professor Stephen Harris at Bristol University who revealed the offenders had four legs and a bushy tail.

A biological science expert with 40 years experience, he explained: “Foxes chew a wide range of objects - rubber balls, cables, garden hoses, shoes, gloves and pipes under houses.

“They occasionally also chew brake cables.

“Sometimes this is simply part of their usual behaviour of chewing objects, particularly those made of rubber, plastic or leather.

“However, it appears that they also occasionally develop a taste for brake fluids.”

He added: “There is no doubt that the damage in these cases is the work of animals, not people, and the damage is entirely consistent with this being due to foxes.”

Bromley police have recorded nine instances between February and October where foxes have chosen to gnaw through brake cables in roads near Spring Park.

BMW and Mercedes

A van parked in Wood Lodge Lane was targeted twice and foxes indiscriminately attacked other vehicles on driveways including Mercedes and BMW models.

Retired Bill Stenlake, 66, had the cables chewed on his blue Ford Focus in Aberdre Close and called the police fearing the worst.

He said: “We would rather think that foxes are responsible for this than some nutter running around.

“I have lived here 12 years and have never seen anything like it.

“The foxes are always around, they are a flaming nuisance because we live so close to the woods.

“I first realised something was wrong when a warning light came on in the car.”

He added: “Even if animals are responsible it is still potentially dangerous for drivers.”

Relieved Sergeant George Blair, head of the Met’s West Wickham Safer Neighbourhood Team, has thanked Mr Harris for his case-cracking advice.

He said: "This series of incidents was quite understandably causing anxiety to people living in the area and we are pleased to be able to find an innocent explanation for the cause of the damage.

“Damage like this can lead to a potentially dangerous situation so I continue to advise residents to safety check their brakes by applying them before moving off.”