THE occupants of a house in Governors Hill in Douglas were left "shaken and upset" yesterday (Tuesday) after a large garden rock was thrown through their front window.

Police are investigating the incident which took place at around 11.45am in the Stanley Mews area.

They say they believe the incident is linked to another report of criminal damage which took place in the same area on New Year's Eve.

This involved a paint stripping substance being poured over the roof and bonnet of a blue Ford Focus which was parked in the communal area of Stanley Mews.

Police have said the damage caused to the car was "clearly pre-meditated".

Detective Sergeant Darren Richards said: "Both of these two incidents have occurred in the same area and within three days of each other which appears more than a mere coincidence and I am treating them as linked.

"The person who damaged the car must have obtained the product to cause the damage from somewhere. I am looking to the community for help to identify where this substance has come from."

DS Richards also appealed for residents to check their gardens to see if any rocks have been taken.

He continued: "If any residents from the area are missing a rock from their garden or have noticed anyone in the vicinity that is unfamiliar to the area, or saw anyone acting in a suspicious manner at around 11.45am on Tuesday, January 3, then I would urge you to contact the police.
 
"My main priority is to prevent any further damage and to reassure the local residents but I need the public's help to identify who the person responsible is.

"If you know who is responsible then I appeal to your conscience and ask that you contact the police either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers." 
 
He added that house to house enquires were being undertaken in the area and that a police presence would be maintained for "public reassurance".
 
Anyone with information can contact DS Darren Richards on 01624 631350 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.