A MAN smashed up an electric car with a pole in an apparent ‘bizarre’ protest against Elon Musk.

Onlookers filmed the man, described as being in his 40s, taking a "big pole" to the £44,950 Polestar car.

Before the attack in central Bristol, he was seen holding a homemade sign which said he was protesting against Musk, and his electric car company, Tesla, on Monday (February 24).

A man smashing a Tesla car in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. A man has been arrested for smashing an electric car and attempting to set it alight in protest of Elon Musk. The man, described as being in his 40s, was reported damaging a Polestar car with “a big pole” just after 10:30pm on February 24 in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. Avon and Somerset police and the fire service attended the scene shortly after receiving reports from residents of the area. The man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, arson and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place but has since been released under investigation.
A man smashing a car in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. (SWNS)

Bizarrely, Polestar is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group and Geely, a Chinese multinational company - a rival to Tesla not associated with Musk.

Avon and Somerset Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, arson and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place but has since been released under investigation.

A local resident, who called police, said he heard a disturbance outside and initially thought it was fireworks.

A video shows a man beating a window with a long white pole and a handmade sign is placed in front of the car. The man is then seen getting arrested once police arrive.

Damage to the car in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. A man has been arrested for smashing an electric car and attempting to set it alight in protest of Elon Musk. The man, described as being in his 40s, was reported damaging a Polestar car with “a big pole” just after 10:30pm on February 24 in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. Avon and Somerset police and the fire service attended the scene shortly after receiving reports from residents of the area. The man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, arson and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place but has since been released under investigation.
Damage to the car in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. (SWNS)

The sign, which is written, said: "Eleon Musk you have to pay for all that demolition and seven a trillion dollars for foundation wielka orkiestra świątecznej pomocy.

"We dont wonted nazis hejt [hate] and symbols.

"You have to change name and symbol Tesla for “Renew Europ 2025.

"Dis is a red cross symbol, all the NATO know that and all the word (SIC)."

Damage to the Tesla car in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. A man has been arrested for smashing an electric car and attempting to set it alight in protest of Elon Musk. The man, described as being in his 40s, was reported damaging a Polestar car with “a big pole” just after 10:30pm on February 24 in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. Avon and Somerset police and the fire service attended the scene shortly after receiving reports from residents of the area. The man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, arson and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place but has since been released under investigation.
Damage to the car in Kings Square Avenue, Bristol. (SWNS)

Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy (WOSP) is a Polish charity, also known as The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, which collects funds for paediatric and elderly care.

The onlooker added: “He wasn’t trying to do a runner — I thought, it must be some kind of protest.

“I was shocked. When you’re trying to go to sleep on a Monday evening, the last thing you expect to hear is a bloke smashing up a car."

Police are appealing for witnesses.