COUNCILLORS have slammed a decision not to prosecute a teenager allegedly involved in a night-time tyre-slashing rampage through York - and suggested a private prosecution instead.

As reported in The Press last week, the Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to pursue a case against a 17-year-old who was arrested over the spree.

Last November, up to 90 motorists in Clifton awoke to find their cars had been attacked, with tyres slashed, windows smashed and wing mirrors knocked off.

Local councillors have now criticised the CPS decision.

Ken King said: "This situation is ridiculous and the CPS is wrong to not pursue this as it is in the public interest.

"This should be about public safety, not about maintaining arbitrary performance figures.

"Our streets will never be safe from crime unless the CPS takes everyday York crime like this seriously."

His fellow councillor David Scott said: "We are both appalled by this situation. We will support any York resident or community group who wants to take a private prosecution against this individual. We strongly believe that crime like this should be clamped down upon. It should be for a jury to decide whether this individual is guilty not the CPS."

Speaking to The Press last week, a CPS spokesman said: "The facts of each case face two tests: Is there enough evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and is it in the public interest to pursue it?"

Meanwhile, police are appealing for more tyre-slashing victims to come forward after vandals went on the rampage on Sunday night and early Monday morning.

A York Police spokeswoman said so far 11 residents had come forward, but it was believed the total number of people whose cars were attacked was much higher.

She said no one interviewed so far had seen or heard anything to help police identify any suspects.

She said: "Anyone who has not yet reported the damage is urged to come forward and report it. They will need to if they want to claim for the damage on their insurance."

The Press told earlier this week how residents reported at least 24 cars had been hit.

Vehicles parked in Asquith Avenue, Starkey Crescent, and Fourth Avenue had their tyres slashed.

Anyone with information is asked to phone York Police on 0845 60 60 247.