Troublesome youngsters have been putting drivers in danger by hurling fruit at their cars.

Contractors resurfacing Wickford bypass reported seeing a group of children aged between 10 and 13 several times on the bridge above the road.

They were spotted throwing the produce, including a grapefruit.

PC Geoff Whiter, Wickford police's community liaison officer, said: "It could have gone through a windscreen.

"There haven't been any accidents so far but obviously there is considerable risk to motorists if their cars are suddenly splattered with fruit."

All the incidents happened at about 3.50pm and police believe the youngsters were on their way home from school, although they weren't wearing uniform.

PC Whiter added: "Our schools' officers will be going into the local schools warning children about the consequences of these actions."

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