Missile yobs target cars

Yobs are throwing missiles from a railway bridge near Kidderminster, putting motorists' lives at risk.

One woman driver had a narrow escape when a mallet smashed her car windscreen as she drove beneath the Severn Valley Railway bridge.

It caused £100 damage to the blue Peugeot 106, but the driver, a Bewdley woman, was able to maintain control and steer it to a halt.

Another vehicle was also hit by debris thrown from the bridge. The white Mitsubishi Charisma, driven by a Bewdley man, had £100 damage.

Three youths dressed in school uniform were seen running off the bridge in the direction of Hoo Road.

The attacks happened between 5.30pm and 5.40pm on Wednesday, on the approach to the Severn Valley Railway bridge on Worcester Road.

There have also been reports of yobs using an air rifle to fire at contractors' vehicles during work going ahead on the track over the bridge. The section of the line between Kidderminster and Bewdley has been closed during the work.

Severn Valley Railway spokesman John Leach said he had not heard about the mallet being thrown. He added: "People are risking serious injury as not only do they seem to be trespassing down a railway line they are also getting into a building site as we are having work done there at the moment."

Mr Leach added it was unclear where trespassers might be breaking in but said fencing would be re-inforced.

Police have warned that trespassing on a railway line carries a maximum fine of £1,000, while throwing missiles with the intent to cause injury or endanger safety carries a maximum term of life imprisonment.

Tony Scrocca, site manager for contractors George Law, said around £2,000 damage had been caused after kids smashed windows to two excavators.