Electric car vandalised by climate activists in Bristol

The leaflets said SUVs had been targeted due to the damage they cause to the environment

Environmental activists targeting SUVs have deflated the tyres of an electric car.

A man living in Clifton, Bristol, said he saw his Tesla's tyres were deflated when he went out to walk his dog.

On the windscreen he found a leaflet saying "your gas guzzler kills" and other cars were also targeted in the street.

He said there was "something comical about it" but he felt "slightly violated".

The Tesla owner added: "It's ironic, because I was trying to do the right thing by buying an electric car.

"It's ridiculous and inconvenient.

"I get why [climate activism] is happening, but I'm not seeing the point of this."

The group claiming to be behind the deflating calls itself the Tyre Extinguishers.

A spokesperson for the group said: "Hybrids and electric cars are fair game.

"We cannot electrify our way out of the climate crisis - there are not enough rare earth metals to replace everyone's car and the mining of these metals causes suffering.

"Plus, the danger to other road users still stands."

Mark Moran MBE, Chief Executive of Hydrate for Health Ltd, also had his tyres let down.

"Many [drivers] have been hit multiple times - mine twice for tyres and once for paint," he said.

Mr Moran said his tyres had been let down before, and a slogan was painted on his vehicle

Mr Moran said there was "no debate" we need to "do the best we can to improve the environment, reduce waste, reduce pollution".

But he said the campaigners did not seem to understand that the cost to the environment of replacing the tyres was "far in excess of any saving their smugness will make".

"They are simply a faceless bunch of eco warriors who want to force their will upon people, with zero rational debate."

Mr Moran won a Queen's Award for Innovation in 2013 for inventing a hands-free drinking system to help reduce dehydration for hospital patients and care home residents.

Avon and Somerset Police said they received four reports that car tyres had been let down in the Clifton area overnight from Thursday to Friday.

"We believe these incidents are connected to a national environmental protest group, which has previously targeted SUV vehicles in the area," the force said.

"On this occasion, one of the vehicles was scratched after the suspects were unsuccessful in letting down the tyres.

"We are encouraging anyone with any CCTV or doorbell footage in Merchants Road, The Fossway, Clifton Down Road or Manilla Road areas to get in touch."

"It's ridiculous and inconvenient," the owner of the Tesla said

The leaflet left on the cars said the tyres had been let down because of the climate emergency facing the world.

"We have deflated one or more of your tyres," it said.

"We did this because driving around in your SUV has huge consequences

"SUVs cause more air pollution in your neighbourhood than smaller cars. SUVs are also more likely to kill people in collisions."