A LORRY driver has narrowly escaped serious injury, after thugs hurled a brick through his windscreen.

The missile, dropped from a dual carriageway bridge, smashed through the passenger side of the vehicle's windscreen, showering driver Bill Watson with glass.

Despite suffering facial injuries, Mr Watson, of Gateshead, managed to stop safely.

The attack happened at 9.20pm on Tuesday, as Mr Watson's fully-loaded Nissan car transporter passed under a bridge on the A19, at Boldon, South Tyneside.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment and was yesterday recovering at home. He declined to comment on the incident.

Police are searching for two youths in connection with the attack. The boy believed to have thrown the brick is described as aged 15 or 16, 5ft 11in, slim, with short hair and wearing a dark anorak. A second youth was described as the same age, 5ft 4in, and stockier.

Detectives are hoping to trace a man and woman seen crossing the bridge at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Tyneside CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 65058.