OFFICERS are hunting a gang of yobs who threw snowballs off a motorway bridge and smashed a van's windscreens 'endangering the life of the driver'.

Police have issued a witness appeal following the incident and described the actions of the gang as 'dangerous' and potentially 'catastrophic'.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It happened on a motorway bridge between junction 11 and 10 of the M65 between 3.10pm and 3.15pm on Sunday. The male driver of a Mercedes Vito said he saw four males between the ages of 11 and 13 throwing snowballs off the bridge.

One of the snowballs is said to have hit his van and smashed the windscreen.

Police said fortunately the man was left uninjured but badly shaken.

The gang are described as wearing dark clothing and had their hoods up.

Sgt Martyn Holt, of Burnley Police, said: "It's pretty horrific to be fair. Someone could have been killed. We're treating this very seriously and I would urge anyone with information to come forward."

That attack followed a separate incident on Saturday when a group of teenagers chucked a block of ice off a bridge in Padiham and smashed the windscreen of a Nissan Micra. It happened at around 8.10pm on a bridge in Dryden Street and the driver of the Micra was left shaken but uninjured.

Police are looking for a group of teenagers in relation to that incident, but Sgt Mick Burnett, of Burnley Police, said the incidents are not being treated as linked.

Sgt Burnett said: "Over the weekend we received a large number of reported incidents of youths throwing snowballs at passing cars, following the arrival of snowfall.

"What is more concerning, is that on two occasions, one on Dryden Street, Padiham and one on the footbridge over the M65 motorway leading to Pendle Way, Burnley, youths in groups as young as 11 have thrown large lumps of ice off the bridges at those locations resulting in the windscreens smashing on two passing vehicles.

"Without stating the obvious, these acts are extremely dangerous and could have catastrophic consequences. Both drivers are safe and well but were shook up at the time.

"If you have any information regarding these youths please ring Burnley police on 101 or report in confident on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555111."