A man lucky to escape serious injury when part of a paving slab was hurled at his face, today feared he would be targeted again.

Michael Smith, 57, told of his fears after police said they would not be taking any action against the youths allegedly responsible for the attack.

He suffered a broken nose and two black eyes when the concrete was thrown at him by youths clambering on his garage roof.

Although four youngsters were reported responsible, police have decided to take no action because they cannot prove which one hurled the slab.

Mr Smith of Wills Hill, Stanford-le-Hope, said today: "This is not very good news. They have been able to get away with it and it is only a matter of time before they are slinging stones and eggs at our windows again."

PC Ross Tooke at Grays police said: "Without someone willing to come forward and name the person who did this there is not a lot we can do."

If anyone does know the person who committed the crime or saw the incident they should call Grays police on 01375 391212.

Published Friday August 16, 2002

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