Vandals damage party guests’ cars

Aug 18 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A WEDDING celebration turned sour for a North East couple when vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to family cars during a party.

Raman Sehgal, 27, and his bride Selena were celebrating their upcoming wedding in Darras Hall, Ponteland, and invited hundreds of guests to a pre-wedding party at their family homes.

They were married last Sunday at Newcastle Civic Centre.

But vandals struck at the upmarket Darras Road and Middle Drive, running keys along at least 10 cars and slashing tyres.

Mr Sehgal said: “We were having some traditional Indian pre-wedding cultural celebrations before the ceremony.

“There were two marquees up at both families houses and hundreds of guests, from both sides.

“We know of around 10 cars that have either been scratched, keyed or had tyres slashed. They included Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and a Lexus.

“These are cars belonging to close family members, so who knows how many of our guests have also had damage done to their vehicles but have not told us given it’s our wedding week.”

“I don’t know what the motivation for the attack could be, possibly jealousy or someone annoyed at all the cars parked on the road.

“There were a lot of cars but we had sent around letters telling people what was happening.

“All the neighbours had been supportive and many of them sent us cards.”

Mr Sehgal’s cousin Neville had his car scratched and has been quoted almost £1k to get it repaired.

Mr Sehgal, a marketing manager, said the acts of vandalism tarnished the day of his marriage to 25-year-old medical student Selena.

“It’s soured what has been an amazing week for our two families.

“It just shows, even in a nice area like this that these things can happen and we just hope that by highlighting this incident, the majority, the good people in the area will keep an eye out for these mindless vandals.

“It might have been bored kids but we don’t live in an area where they usually hang around.”

The attacks happened between Thursday night and Saturday night August 7-9.

Northumbria Police last night confirmed they are investigating the incident and appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 03456 043043.