West Lancashire woman "could have been killed" after boulder is thrown at her car whilst on the motorway
A West Lancashire woman says she and her son could have been killed after a boulder was thrown onto her car whilst she was on the motorway.
A West Lancashire woman says she and her son could have been killed after a boulder was thrown onto her car whilst she was on the motorway.
Gillian Lewis was driving on the M58 through Skelmersdale, taking her teenage son to football practice, when a huge smash suddenly destroyed her car's windscreen.
Her 14-year old son Owen was in the front passenger seat and managed to brace himself before the impact.
All they could see were shadowy figures on the flyover.
She was left stranded at a petrol station just off the motorway when she realised the amount of damage that had been done.
Another car and two HGVs were also damaged on the same night by rocks and stones being thrown onto the carriageway.
Lancashire Police say they are investigating the incident and are stepping up patrols in the area.
Insp June Chessell from Skelmersdale Police said: “Throwing things at moving cars is extremely dangerous and goes beyond young people just trying to have fun, play pranks and a laugh. It is lucky that these people weren’t seriously injured or killed. One of the drivers was a woman in the car with her young children who were left shaken up as a result.
“We always see a rise in young people partaking in anti-social behaviour before Mischief Night every year and are working with West Lancashire Borough Council, West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership and Lancashire Fire and Rescue to prevent incidents and to provide youngsters with other positive diversionary activities to get involved in away from hanging round on the streets. The council have also been removing any debris that could be used as missiles near to bridges.
Insp Chessell added: “Let me be clear, we are adopting a zero tolerance approach in relation to any type of anti-social behaviour and will have extra officers, including colleagues on horseback from the Mounted Branch, in the area to deal with anyone partaking in these types on incidents.
“I urge parents to make it their business to know what their children are up to on Sunday night and if you can, keep them indoors so you know that they won’t get themselves into trouble if they are tempted to get involved in any pranks.
“Again, I want to reassure people that this isn’t about us trying to ruin the fun for young people, it’s about keeping the area and people safe. It’s simple, if you don’t want to get in trouble with the police, don’t be swayed to get involved in any anti-social behaviour.”