AN MP has called for greater CCTV coverage in Barrow town centre after the window of his constituency office was vandalised by a "puffer-jacketed moron".

Police have confirmed they are were investigating criminal damage to the Barrow MP John Woodcock's office in Cavendish Street.

CCTV images from inside the MP's office appeared to show three men outside, one of which appeared to throw a punch at the window.

It happened in around 4am on Saturday. The MP said the plate glass on the shop front was shattered and was in the process of being repaired.

A large window on the side of the nearby Thomas Cook travel agents in Dalton Road was also damaged around the same time.

Mr Woodcock said the damage showed the need for more CCTV in the town centre to protect businesses from late night vandalism.

He said: “The sight of this puffer-jacketed moron wrecking our office window in the early hours of Saturday morning as his mates look on is what too many local stores have to put up with at club kicking out time in Barrow town centre, particularly on Cavendish Street.

“We are fortunate to have CCTV in our office as a result of the heightened threat that elected representatives are unfortunately facing so the culprit should be possible to identify, and I hope anyone who recognises anyone involved will come forward to the police. But this highlights the need for greater public CCTV in the town centre to protect the public and businesses against the loutish behaviour that is too often fuelled by cheap booze from our night spots.

“I hope this is something the Business Improvement District will look at with the council and after taking the advice of the police.”

Barrow BID chairman Simon Craig said: "It is not something the BID would be able to fund.

"We have very comprehensive coverage by cameras in all parts of the town centre with 360 degree cameras. It is more of a question of officers monitoring them and making sure they are pointing in the right direction."