A pensioner said she has "lost faith in humanity" after pumpkins were thrown at a car she was recently given by her late daughter.

The 78-year-old Ford Focus driver was targeted along with a BMW by three youths in Exchange Road, Watford, at around 8.55pm on Tuesday, October 18.  

The BMW driver Mob Vallat, 27, said they were moving off from traffic lights when three teens jumped out from bushes and hurled the fruits before running off.

He said the collision caused his airbag to go off, meaning he "could have crashed into anyone", and that a 78-year-old named Margaret was also left shaken.

Watford Observer: The BMW bonnetThe BMW bonnet (Image: Mob Vallat)

"They looked about 16 or 17 and they caused havoc," he added.

“The impact made the car think I had been in an accident, so the airbag went off. I could have crashed into anyone on the road, I couldn’t see anything.

“I’m going to report it to police. I don’t want anyone else in the situation I was in, it wouldn’t sit right with me.”

Repairs to the Ford cost £850 and, due to the airbag going off, it set Mr Vallat back £1700.

Read more:

Three pumpkins were thrown and the victims suspected they were stolen from a nearby Tesco.

Mr Vallat added that he had to help the pensioner push her Ford out of the road due to the damage.

While he helped, she was in tears telling him she had been given the car by her daughter, who had recently passed away, and she was saying she had “lost faith in humanity”.

The 27-year-old is now thinking of selling his car, having only recently purchased it, due to no longer feeling safe driving such a high-end car in Watford.

“Getting this car meant a lot to me but after having to pay the repair bill just because of some kids wanting to have fun in the middle of the road I’m too scared to drive an expensive car.

“I feel Watford is going a bit downhill, it’s not as it used to be. There are always youths causing havoc around.

“I don’t have kids but if I did, I would move out of the area, I wouldn’t want to raise them around here.”

Watford Observer: Damage to carDamage to car (Image: Mob Vallat)Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.