A DRIVER had a lucky escape after yobs threw a brick at the windscreen of his articulated lorry on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

A group of around eight youths were seen making off over fields towards Grangetown, following the incident at around 7.50pm on Tuesday near to the BP garage, before McDonalds.

Acting Inspector Dave Smith, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Luckily, when the brick shattered the windscreen of the lorry it did not jack-knife and the driver was uninjured, although he was left extremely shaken. It was only down to the drivers’ efforts that the vehicle didn’t collide with any other vehicles or roadside furniture.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries in order to identify those involved in this extremely dangerous and irresponsible behaviour. Someone could end up seriously injured or even killed.

“We have issued warnings about this type of behaviour over and over again. It won’t be tolerated and when we find those responsible they will be facing the full force of the law.

“Parents also have a responsibility to educate their children so that they know that this kind of behaviour is wrong and that they could end up killing someone as a result of a moment of stupidity.

“People in the area who may have witnessed this incident are urged to contact us.”

Cleveland Police has previously issued an online poster which was distributed in local schools regarding the dangers of throwing missiles at moving vehicles.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org