A MOTORIST claims he could have been killed when a child threw a stone through his windscreen.

The incident was one of many acts of vandalism across Swindon, which have caused yet more misery for residents, motorists and schoolchildren.

Graham Pearce, a carpenter from Pinehurst, says he could have died when his car windscreen was broken by a stone thrown by a child.

Meanwhile, teachers at Oaktree Primary and Nursery School had to comfort children after seven double glazed windows were damaged over the weekend.

And there were a string of petty incidents across the area during the same period.

Vandals ripped up plants and shrubs worth £300 in the back garden of a house belonging to an elderly woman in Southbrook Street, Gorse Hill, on Sunday between 10.30am and 4pm while in Pinehurst, eight cars had their tyres slashed in Limes Avenue in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Pearce was driving along Akers Way, Moredon, in his Ford Granada when his windscreen was smashed. He said that when the stone struck the glass, it sounded like a shot from a gun.

A group of girls standing by the road said the boys responsible were nearby. Mr Pearce held on to the boys and called the police.

Two of the boys were aged 13. The youngest, aged eight, confessed but police were unable to charge him as he was under age.

Mr Pearce said: "I heard a loud bang so it must have been a fair-sized stone it could have caused a serious accident. I could have been knocked unconscious or even been killed. They got the youngest one to confess and the police took him home. The police said although the young boy admitted he did it, they couldn't charge him because he was under age. I say it's criminal damage and it doesn't matter how old they are, they've got away with it.

"As far as I'm concerned all three should have been charged."

The attack happened outside St Mary's Church at around 1pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Swindon Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "An officer attended and suitably advised the 8-year-old-boy regarding his actions in the presence of his parents, who agreed to reimburse the cost of damage.

"Throwing missiles at moving vehicles is not only irresponsible but dangerous.

"We would advise youngsters that such actions can lead to serious consequences and would encourage parents to also enforce this message."

The attack on Oaktree Primary School in Park South happened between 2.30pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday.

Headteacher Ann Harris, said: "The windows were damaged and it was very upsetting for the children because we spent a lot of time and energy on the building.

"The children enjoy their environment so they were anxious, but they have all been very sensible about it.

"This is the first time we have been attacked by vandals for a long time, which in some ways makes it much worse."

Mrs Harris said seven small toilet windows had been damaged and would be repaired by the end of the week at a cost of £120.

Witnesses to any of the crimes are asked to contact the police on Swindon 528111.