Vandals armed with explosives are blowing up parking meters in a historic market town.

Fourteen machines have so far been targetted in Lewes, East Sussex, since mid-September, causing more than £20,000 of damage.

This is not the first time that the town which is famous for its large annual Guy Fawkes night display has been targeted by vandals blowing up meters in the past.

The first round of vandalism took place in 2004 after the local council introduced on-street parking charges following complaints of congestion in the county town's narrow streets. Police chiefs and councillors say they are amazed no one has been injured and warned whoever is responsible that they could face jail.

A previous spell of vandalism between 2004 and 2006 caused £300,000 of damage and saw more than 200 meters destroyed, leading to higher permit charges and increased pay and display parking costs for residents and visitors.

Now it appears the dangerous and costly campaign has intensified again, with one machine - in Southover High Street - being completely destroyed.

Others will be repaired or have been fixed already. No money has been stolen from the machines, which are valued at about £3,000 each.

As a result  reward of £1,250 has been put up by East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and Lewes District Council for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The fear is that it could  potentially seriously injure a passer-by. The vandalism will also ultimately end up costing the people of Lewes, who will end up footing the bill.

Repairs will cost at least £20,000, which means we are £20,000 further away from being able to put any surplus from the scheme toward transport improvements in the town.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.