Ref. 75969-118POLICE are warning egg-throwing louts that they could cause serious injury.

Officers have spoken out after a 75-year-old Kent man was hit in the eye. The pensioner has been told he is likely to lose his sight.

Police say the craze is an on-going problem in several Swindon neighbourhoods, with Parks and Stratton being the latest to suffer.

Now officers are warning that what is seen by youths as a lark could have serious consequences.

WPC Jo Phelps, the community beat officer for the Parks, said: "The perpetrators just think it is a laugh and don't think about the repercussions.

"But it can have serious consequences. Anyone throwing eggs at people can be charged with assault."

Egg throwing is a frequent complaint across the Swindon area. In the run up to Christmas, yobs in Wootton Basset pelted the Lime Kiln centre with eggs and flour.

Police described the situation as siege like.

Highworth library has been targeted and Holy Trinity Church in Shaw has also suffered problems.

But many shops have heeded police appeals not to sell eggs to children.

One of the latest reports of problems is from Park South.

Elderly residents at Aragon Court sheltered housing complex say youths regularly chuck eggs at their windows.

Police are stepping up their presence and are planning joint patrols with crime and disorder officials.