Missile thrown from motorway bridge

A lorry driver was injured after a stone was thrown at his windscreen from a motorway bridge.

At about 1.15pm on Wednesday 14 November 2012, the man was driving his HGV on the westbound M62, between junctions 20 and 21 in Rochdale.

The stone was thrown from a bridge crossing the motorway, causing the windscreen to shatter. Shards of glass then hit the man, causing cuts to his hands and face.

Despite the speed at which he was driving, the man was able to safely pull over without causing injury to any other road users.

The victim recalls seeing the offenders as they threw the stone. They are described as being two young men, one of whom was wearing a sky blue top.

Detective Constable Chris Whalley said: "The consequences of this mindless act of violence could have been fatal.

"It is no exaggeration to say that when the offenders threw the stone, they not only put the life of the driver at risk, they also endangered other drivers on the motorway.

"Clearly, those responsible need to be caught. We have carried out a number of enquiries since this incident, but we would urge any witnesses, or anyone with information, to call us.

"There was also a similar such incident on Wednesday 19 September 2012, where a stone was thrown from another bridge in the same area. On that occasion the stone cracked the windscreen.

"While incidents like this are rare, I am sure people in Rochdale will be appalled that even two such incidents have happened, where lives have been put in danger with such abandon.

"I therefore appeal to anyone who has any information to get in touch."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8552 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.