Appeal following objects and bricks dropped from motorway bridges

Police are appealing for witnesses following a series of incidents where bricks and objects were dropped off bridges on the M6 Toll.

Between April and July, incidents have been reported where bricks, rocks and objects have been dropped from bridges on the M6 Toll onto passing cars causing damage. 

The incidents appear to have happened between 5pm and 9.30pm on weekdays and in the afternoons on weekends.  

Officers were called to Pool Lane, Burntwood, just before 6pm on 18 April where a witness reported a group of youths, seen wearing dark hoodies, throwing objects from a bridge onto the motorway. 

On 26 May just before 8.50pm, officers attended Norton Hall Lane, Norton Canes, following reports two youths were seen directing water balloons towards vehicles on the motorway. 

A witness reported slabs thrown at vehicles just before the exit of T5 on the M6 Toll at 2.15pm on 12 June. 

Police were again called to Pool Lane, Burntwood, this time at 2.50pm on 3 July following reports of two youths throwing rocks at vehicles traveling on the M6 Toll. One driver reported having their wing mirror taken off and scratches on their vehicle. 

Six days later, on 9 July, a victim reported a group of youths having dropped a brick on their vehicle, resulting in damage to the bonnet. The incident took place at around 1.30pm at T6 northbound of the M6 Toll on 9 July. The driver and the passenger of the vehicle were not injured. 

PC Jo Wright of the Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Behaviour such as this is reckless and puts multiple lives in unnecessary danger. Not only can it cause serious damage to vehicles, but even more worryingly, it can result in serious injury to those travelling in the vehicle and potentially cause a devastating collision.

“We already have officers patrolling known locations, who will not hesitate to take action against perpetrators, to ensure that those travelling can do so safely, so I would encourage young people to think about the consequences of a spilt second silly decision or an attempt to show off, that it can have serious consequences for them and others.

“In addition to this, I would also like to appeal to parents. As we move into warmer weather and school holidays approach, I ask that you check what your children are up to, and where they are going, as well as speak with them about the importance of making safe and responsible decisions.”

If you have any information and CCTV/dashcam footage that could help the police with their inquiries, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.