POLICE fear it's only a matter of time before a spate of vandalism, where missiles have been fired through windows, ends with a tragedy.

Officers have recovered several steel balls about the size of small marbles that have been fired through windows.

They are aware of at least five premises that have been hit. Windows have been broken at a property in Broad Street in Beechingstoke, at Alton Barnes, North Newton Garage, the former car showroom at Chirton and at Rushall.

The buildings at Beechingstoke, Alton Barnes and North Newnton were struck overnight on Monday.

Officers believe that someone is driving round in a car with a weapon capable of discharging the ball bearings, possibly a catapult, and firing it randomly at properties.

A police spokesman at Pewsey said it was only a matter of time before someone was injured either by one of the missiles or by flying glass.

Police want to hear from anyone who has seen missiles being discharged from a car or who has seen a suspicious vehicle in any of the villages where attacks have occurred.

Any information should be passed to WPC Nikki Burt at Pewsey police station on (01672) 562222.