Essex teenagers throw rocks at cars in White Hart Lane

Police are searching for three teenagers who were deliberately throwing rocks at passing cars from a bridge in Essex.

A silver Vauxhall Vectra was hit as it travelled on the A138 White Hart Lane dual carriageway in Chelmsford, just before 13:30 GMT on Sunday.

The driver, a man in his 20s from Walton, almost lost control of his car as he swerved to avoid the rocks.

Police have appealed for the teenagers to come forward.

Pc Graham Thomas, investigating officer, said: "These boys were deliberately aiming at passing cars.

"The Walton man had initially swerved to avoid them as he could see them moving along the bridge.

"Inside were two other adults and two young children who were all left very shaken and I'm sure will have long-lasting impact on them all."

A rock hit the car's front bumper, causing a small dent.

The teenagers are described as white and slim although one was significantly taller than the others.

Pc Thomas added: "We will eventually identify these three boys so it probably would be better if they or their parents contact me first rather than having the surprise of me turning up on their doorstep.

"I would also urge parents to be responsible and make an effort to know where their children are and whom they are with."

A 57-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries when a block smashed the windscreen of a car on the A12 in Essex on 1 December.

Forty minutes earlier, a mother and daughter had been left shaken when their car was struck by a large rock dropped from Fryerning Lane Bridge on the A12 at Ingatestone.