VANDALS have attacked a vet’s surgery at the centre of a clamping war in Southampton.

An oily substance was thrown over the walls and windows of Vets4Pets in Spring Road where Whites Car Park Solutions were brought in to stop customers from the neighbouring Tesco Express store using the car park.

The move sparked outrage from residents after the Daily Echo revealed that up to 30 vehicles were clamped in one day.

Police were called to the site on several occasions after angry drivers clashed with clampers over the way they were patrolling the site.

One victim was clamped while still sat in her car and another, John Miller, a 27 year-old care worker, was targeted within seconds of leaving his vehicle.

Residents fought back when they took to the streets to warn shoppers away from the car park.

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Following the backlash, Simon Waters, managing director of Waters & Sons Funeral Directors, which is opposite Tesco Express, has told Whites Car Park Solutions he no longer requires their services.

He said: “The reason why I took on the clampers was that I didn’t want Tesco’s customers parking on my forecourt. But the feeling I’ve got from the area is that people are very unhappy with the situation.

I’ve told Whites I no longer require their services and I would like to apologise for any upset caused to local residents.”

Despite the vandalism attack, Vets4Pets has vowed to continue using Whites to patrol their side.

Mike Hopkins, managing director of Vets4Pets, said: “We were the victim of unnecessary vandalism but there is no change on our position. Things have improved but we will continue to target illegal parkers.”

Whites Car Park Solutions were unavailable for comment.