The Land Rover was painted silver while parked in Hebden Bridge. Photo: West Yorkshire Police

Police in a West Yorkshire town are searching for culprits responsible for a bizarre crime committed on one of their vehicles.

A Land Rover parked in Hebden Bridge in the South Pennines was painted silver overnight.

West Yorkshire Police said the off-road vehicle is vital for the force’s work in rural areas.

Neighbourhood Inspector John Simpson said: “Some people might find this funny but the extent of the damage means that this vital emergency vehicle will be off the road while it is repaired at a cost.

“It is a specialist vehicle used to access the more rural areas of Calderdale and as such is an essential vehicle for the local communities.”

The 4×4 vehicle was painted silver some time between 9.30pm on Monday and 4.45am on Tuesday, while on Royd Villas in the town.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Inspector Simpson via 101 quoting log number 138 of 11 October.