A MALDON publican has spoken of his hope that the town's best side will come to the fore after German builders who are installing the new organ at St Mary's Church had their van targeted - twice.

James Burrell-Cook, landlord of the Queen Victoria pub in Spital Road, helped the German workmen after their van was attacked last night (Thursday, 9 October) in St Giles Crescent as they sat eating dinner in the pub.

James told Maldon Nub News: "The van was covered in eggs and flour, so this was a pre-meditated attack as someone had to go to their home or a shop to buy this.

"We went out to help them and they were parked in a place where they were causing no problems, not in a residential parking spot or blocking anyone in. They were just enjoying dinner with us and were very upset as this is the second attack. This seems like a hate crime."

In the first attack days earlier, the van was badly keyed and damaged.

Colin Baldy, musical director at St Mary's Church in Church Street, where the German specialists are installing the new organ, told of his fury when the van also had a note left on it while parked at Hythe Quay, stating "invaders will be repelled".

He said: "They called the police immediately. Now we have a second act of anti-German vandalism. This sickens me to the core."

James added: "Someone has now offered to have the van valeted, but it's the damage from the keying that is the worst problem.

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"This is not what Maldon's about and I hope someone in the town can help turn this into a positive and help fix the damage.

"Maldon has a lovely community and this does not reflect how we are."

Essex Police have been contacted for a comment with regard to whether the incidents are being treated as a hate crime, but no response was available at the time of publication.