Ice thrown at cars in Burnley and Padiham: police appeal

Both incidents, in Padiham and Burnley, smashed windows and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage, as well as putting lives in danger.

The first incident occurred on Saturday, around 8-10pm, as a motorist was travelling along Dryden Street, Padiham, when a large piece of ice was dropped through his windscreen from a bridge.

It is believed the offenders were aged around 11.

The second incident, which again resulted in a smashed windscreen, occurred on Sunday, around 3-15pm. A motorist was travelling westbound on the M65, between junctions 10 and 11, when a large ball of ice was dropped from a footbridge over the motorway leading to Pendle Way.

The driver said he believed there were four males on the bridge, aged around 12 or 13 and wearing dark clothing.

It is not thought the incidents are linked.

Sergeant Michael Burnett said: “These incidents have put peoples’ lives in danger and caused serious damage to their vehicles.

“The drivers were understandably shaken and are lucky to have escaped unharmed.

“We would urge anybody with information about either incident to contact us.”

He also urged the offenders to think about the consequences of their actions.

“It may have been kids who thought they were simply playing a practical joke, but both incidents could have been so much worse,” he continued.

“I’d urge them to avoid taking part in such activities.”

Anybody with information about either incident is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log number 1360 of January 16, 2016 or log number 0802 of January 17, 2016.