Vandals smash 44 windows at Bilston pub just hours after England match

The Grapes in Bilston was targeted by the gang at around 6.15am.

Licensee Adam Fletcher said the culprits had caused around £10,000 worth of damage, smashing 44 windows.

They also used the sledge hammers to smash the windows of several cars parked outside the pub on its car park.

And paint was also thrown up a wall at the Moseley Road pub painted with a St George's Flag.

Mr Fletcher said: "The people living above the pub heard the trouble kicking off.

"They've broken every single window. I only had them done about 12 months ago as well. We've had this pub in the family for 15 years and never had any trouble before."

Staff at the pub helped to board up all the smashed windows after the attack and England flags were draped over windows to hide the damage.

The pub then reopened yesterday afternoon.

Mr Fletcher said the attack had nothing to do with England's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Italy in the World Cup that was screened in the pub from 11pm.

He added: "This was nothing to do with the football.

"We closed at 2am. This happened quite a long time after that.

"We had 250 football fans in the pub for the game and there was no trouble at all.

"I think when there were no more windows to break at the pub, they turned to the car park and targeted cars."

Mr Fletcher, aged 33, who lives in Deansfield, Wolverhampton, said police were called by the people who live above the pub and officers arrived within minutes, although the yobs had already made their escape.

He continued: "I can't fault the police.

"They were here in no time.

"They also told me they had made four arrests.

"We don't know who has done this and why.

"They have caused a lot of damage."