Bristol Tyre Extinguishers aim for record after deflating 50 SUVs in Clifton

Police have issued an appeal after tyres to dozens of SUVs were deflated by activists from an environmental protest group.

The Tyre Extinguishers posted a message on social media claiming 50 of the vehicles had been ‘disarmed’ in the Clifton area last night (May 18).

A spokesperson for the group, which is on a campaign against SUV ownership across the country, said: “Brighton, we are coming for your record.”.

In a similar incident in March, activists targeted vehicles in the north of Bristol, and left notes on the windscreens stating ‘your gas guzzler kills’.

It appears notes were also left on SUVs targeted in Mortimer Road in Clifton last night.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for witnesses and information after multiple cars’ tyres were deflated in Bristol.

“We received reports that a number of vehicles’ tyres had been let down overnight on Tuesday 17 May on Mortimer Road in Clifton.

“A note had then been left on the windscreen of the vehicles, leading officers to believe the incident is linked to an environmental protest group. We are treating these incidents as criminal damage.”

They appealed to anyone who saw anything suspicious or may have any information which could aid the investigation to call 101.

The Tyre Extinguisher has said it wants to see a ban on SUVs in urban areas, pollution levies introduced to tax SUVs out of existence, and more investment in public transport.

Explaining the action earlier this year, Marion Walker from the campaign, said: “Governments and politicians have failed to protect us from these massive unnecessary vehicles. SUVs are a climate disaster, they cause air pollution and are dangerous for other road users.

“Everyone hates them, apart from the people who drive them.

“Politely asking for climate action, clean air and safer streets has failed. It’s time for action.”

Have your car tyres been deflated last night? Let us know by emailing the newsdesk at [email protected]