POLICE warned today that somone could be killed by teenage thugs who hurl petrol bombs and rocks at rush hour traffic.

The warning comes after a large rock landed on a Vauxhall Astra van, cracking the windscreen and sending glass splinters over the driver before smashing into another car coming from the opposite direction.

Police are investigating the incident which happened at the railway bridge on Willows Lane in Accrington and said youths as young as 13 and 14 are responsible for a series of attacks.

Other missiles, including petrol bombs, have also been dropped from the bridge in the past.

Darren Hollis, 25, whose Rover car was damaged in the latest incident said: "I was coming home from work and the rock hit this van, bounced off and hit me.

"It's a wonder the van didn't swerve right into me. You just don't expect something to drop on you from above, especially from that height. It was really dangerous.

"There was about three of them on the footbridge. The guy in the van ran after them but he had no chance. They are just mindless vandals."

Darren, who lives on Lindadale Avenue in Accrington says the bridge has been targeted by youths dropping stones on to cars for some time.

He added: "I've reported it a number of times, but they are getting away with it.

Insp Debbie Howard of Blackburn Police warned that someone could be killed.

She said: "It's a problem that has been going on for a about two weeks, but this is the first time a car has been hit.

"Four weeks ago we had an alcopops bottle with flammable liquid thrown in the road. It smashed on the road and another was found up on the bridge. We need to put a stop to it."

Hyndburn Councillor Jean Battle, who works in the Willows Lane area, said: "It needs nipping in the bud now before someone gets killed.

"It really is terrible. I wouldn't like to be driving on the road when something is dropped on me. It is a very dangerous practice.

"I know there is a lot of vandalism in that area behind the footpath but it is too far away for the CCTV cameras on the railway to pick it up.

"It would be helpful if we could see more police in that area but parents should really be monitoring what there children are up to."

If anyone has any information about the incident they can contact Accrington Police on 01254 382141.