CHILDREN throwing items at fast moving traffic on a busy South Tyneside road are being warned that their actions could kill.

In the last week, police have received five separate reports of groups of teenagers throwing stones and bricks at passing vehicles on the John Reid Road.

The incidents have taken place between Saturday, May 17, 2008 and Tuesday, May 27, 2008 and range in time from 1pm to 9pm.

Inspector Graham Lockey is warning youngsters that throwing items at cars could result in serious consequences, not only for themselves but also innocent motorists.

He is also urging parents to be aware of where there children are and that they understand the risk being posed to motorists by the actions of these youngsters.

Insp Lockey said: "The John Reid Road has a speed limit of 50mph.

"A stone hitting a vehicle at this speed is capable of causing serious injury or worse to the occupants.

"Even if the objects don't hit the occupants, such an incident could easily lead to the driver losing control and crashing off the road or into other traffic.

"I would appeal to parents to be aware of what their children are doing and impress upon them the serious nature of what this reckless act could result in.

"I would also stress that anybody who is arrested for this offence will be dealt with in the most severe of terms by the police.

"People committing this act could face charges ranging from criminal damage to serious assault or worse.

"The actions of these youngsters could kill innocent people."