🥶 “They Were Wearing Balaclavas”: Family Left Traumatised After Midnight Attack in Braintree
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A Braintree family has been left shaken after a group of masked youths smashed their car window in the middle of the night.
The terrifying incident happened just after 12:30am on Wednesday morning in Clare Road, Braintree, when a Jaguar parked on the family’s driveway was targeted by six individuals wearing balaclavas.
Police were called to the scene within minutes, but the family say the emotional impact of the incident has been far worse than the physical damage left behind.
🚨 What Happened
According to the family, a woman in her mid-20s had just returned home from a late shift at work when she heard a loud smash outside. Looking out the window, she saw six figures in grey tracksuits surrounding the family car.
Without hesitation, she ran outside and chased the group up Hunnable Road, shouting at them to stop as they swore and fled into the darkness.
“She just shouted, ‘Leave the car alone!’” said Lynne Harmer, 62, who lives at the property. “Afterwards she realised how dangerous that was, they could’ve pulled a blade on her or anything.”
The group smashed the driver-side window but didn’t take anything from the vehicle. Mrs Harmer described them as “amateurs” who “didn’t know what they were doing.”
“They smashed the window but couldn’t start the car. There was nothing inside, no bags, no money,” she said.
💔 Family Left Traumatised
The family say they didn’t settle until 3:30am, having spent hours clearing glass and moving the damaged vehicle. But it’s the emotional toll that has left the deepest scars.
Mrs Harmer said her granddaughter, aged under 10, who already struggles with anxiety, was “terrified and unable to sleep.”
“She was so upset she was sick in the night,” “She ended up sleeping in my bed, she just kept saying she was scared.” ~ Mrs Harmer
She added:
“I’m concerned about the impact it’s had on them. As well as the inconvenience, we just think, how dare they?”
👮 Police Appeal for Information
An Essex Police spokesperson confirmed officers were called to reports of criminal damage in Clare Road shortly after midnight and that enquiries are ongoing.
“We are investigating a report of criminal damage in Clare Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning,” the spokesperson said. “If you have any CCTV, dashcam, or other footage, please get in contact with us via our website or 24-hour Live Chat service.”
Residents can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
💬 Final Thoughts
For a quiet residential street, the attack has left lasting fear. It’s not just about one smashed car — it’s about a sense of safety that many families in Braintree say is slipping away.
🗣️ What do you think?Do you still feel safe in your neighbourhood — or do you think it’s time for stronger action against youth crime and anti-social behaviour in Braintree?👇 Join the discussion below.
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