ACTIVISTS say they were reponsible for vandalising at least 60 vehicles at a Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Exeter.

The group, known as the Tyre Extinguishers, said that the attack was an 'act of retaliation', and 'is intended as a peaceful and non-violent demonstration to draw attention to the presence of grossly inappropriate private vehicles in our towns and cities.'

The group wrote a tribute to the two young girls who lost their lives last month when a Land Rover smashed into a children's birthday party.

They sent a letter to the dealership, saying: 'We have destroyed your cars. You'll be angry but your business is morally bankrupt.

'We did this because your vehicles kill children and destroy our environment.

'Car companies try to convince us we need massive cars. But SUVs and 4x4s are a disaster for us and our climate. As well as killing children, SUVs are the second largest cause of the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions over the past decade - more than the entire aviation industry.

'We're taking actions into our own hands because our governments and politicians will not.

'SUVS are more likely to kill people than normal cars in collisions. Psychological studies show SUV drivers are more likely to take risks on the road. Killer SUVs are unnecessary and pure vanity.'

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: 'Police are aware of criminal damage having occurred at Jaguar dealership in Matford, Exeter. Enquiries continue.'