THERESE Sullivan's dream of running her own business came to an abrupt end today, following an attack of vandalism on her Preston take-away.

Therese, who has run the Red Rose Eat Inn takeaway in London Road for a year, has decided to close the business following a bizarre graffiti attack.

She discovered the words 'ha ha ha' daubed in white paint across the shop window, and the pavement in front, when she arrived to open up yesterday (Wednesday).

Police arrested a man for the attack and he has been sectioned him under the Mental Health Act, so he cannot be prosecuted for the incident.

But this is just the latest in a series of problems Therese has encountered during her time in London Road.

She said: "It isn't just a case of not opening again today, I don't think we will ever open again.

"This is the latest in a long line of incidents which have plagued us since we have opened and I can't see the point in carrying on."

She claims that she has had problems her landlord and also with prostitutes using the area to tout for trade, thereby detering her potential takeaway customers.

She added: "We have only been here for 12 months but I can't see us opening again."

Officers who attended the scene following the graffiti attack said it was not personally connected to Therese. Her neighbour had suffered similar problems.

Nearby firms say they have also been victims of vandalism, but not to the same extent.

Therese added: "Police say they can't charge this man but have told us it was nothing personal. If that is the case what was he doing on the streets in the first place.

"It is just so embarrassing to have to go and scrape the paint off. It really is the final straw."

A spokesman for Preston Police said: "A police psychologist looked at the man we arrested and the decision was taken to section him under the Mental Health Act."

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