POLICE have warned that a motorist could be killed or seriously injured after a spate of incidents in which slabs of concrete have been hurled from bridges onto one of the region's major roads.

POLICE have warned that a motorist could be killed or seriously injured after a spate of incidents in which slabs of concrete have been hurled from bridges onto one of the region's major roads.

At 6.30pm yesterday a large piece of concrete was thrown off a bridge near the A12's junction with the A130 at Howe Green in Essex which smashed the windscreen of a blue Ford Escort being driven by a 30-year-old man from Brentwood.

And later, at around 7.20pm, a concrete block was thrown off a bridge at junction 13 for Brentwood, causing all four tyres of a grey Honda Civic to be punctured.

Police scrambled the force helicopter and sent traffic officers to the scenes but no suspects were found.

Yesterday's events come after similar crimes were committed earlier in the month.

Last Monday a motorist reported debris on A12 near Chelmsford causing vehicles to swerve, and at the same time another motorist reported that a concrete block had smashed his windscreen - covering him in glass - near the Galleywood interchange (Jt16).

Earlier, on November 12, police received reports of concrete being thrown from bridges in both central and west Essex.

Officers warned those responsible that they are committing serious criminal offences which carry a substantial prison sentence.

Chief Insp Tom Diment said: “These incidents have now progressed from causing criminal damage to hospitalising one motorist and next time the outcome could be fatal.

“Whoever is responsible for these criminal acts needs to be stopped before someone is killed.

“They can be assured that we will use the full weight of the criminal justice system against them to hold them accountable for their actions.”

Police are also appealing for anyone who has any information, however small, to contact them on 0300 333 4444, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.