The damaged windscreen of the car in which Margaret Goodman was travellingMOTORISTS have become moving targets for a gang of stone-throwing yobs in Swindon.

Police fear someone could be killed after several attacks on cars in Thamesdown Drive.

And they have issued a stern warning to those responsible: Stop before somebody dies.

In the latest attack a couple were driving under a bridge in Thamesdown Drive on Monday evening when a brick was thrown down at them, shattering their windscreen.

Margaret Goodman, 33, was travelling in the car with her partner Russell Honey, 53.

She said: "We'd just been to the Orbital Centre for a pizza and we left there at about 8.15pm to go to my dad's house in Highworth.

"As we were driving under the bridge Russell actually saw the brick falling down towards us and there wasn't time for him to do anything about it.

"Suddenly I heard this almighty crash from the windscreen.

"I'd just thought there was a big stone that had flipped up from the road but Russell said kids had been throwing bricks from the bridge.

"We called the police then pulled over into a side road and shook all the bits of glass off ourselves."

But the trouble wasn't over whoever had thrown the brick at the car then hid in bushes by the side of the road and pelted the car with stones.

"Suddenly I started to hear all these bangs on the roof so I got out to see what was going on," said Margaret, who works with Russell in their construction business.

"And they were hiding in the bush throwing stones.

"It felt as though we were under attack so we drove off to Highworth police station and they said that if the brick had hit the windscreen a bit higher up it could have gone straight through and killed us.

"I feel quite angry about this. These people obviously have no respect for life."

Swindon police say a second car was also attacked that night and its headlights and bumper were damaged.

They say youngsters are probably responsible and have asked parents to stress how dangerous it is.

Swindon police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar, said: "Fortunately the drivers were not hurt, this should not detract from the fact that there was potential for serious or fatal injuries.

"This year we have received several reports of similar incidents at this location and warn youngsters that throwing missiles at vehicles is not only an irresponsible but a very dangerous pastime and can lead to serious consequences.

"We would also encourage parents to reinforce our message."

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Diane Milne