A SHOCKED van driver escaped unscathed after thugs dropped an ‘unknown item’ though his windscreen as he drove under a Bournemouth footbridge.

The driver managed to keep his van under control despite being showered in broken glass after the object was dropped from the bridge spanning Ringwood Road, at Bear Cross, in the early hours.

Deputy Neighbourhood Inspector Jon Wasey, of North Bournemouth police, said: “This was obviously a very concerning and dangerous incident and it is fortunate the driver was not badly injured or worse.

“It should go without saying that there are serious dangers from throwing objects at moving traffic and such incidents could lead to devastating consequences.”

Police were called to Ringwood Road around 3.25am on Thursday morning, amid reports of unknown items being thrown at passing vehicles.

Borough of Poole (BOP) Merley and Bearwood councillor, Marion Pope, said: “I would like to emphasise how distressing this is for all concerned who live in this area, because it makes everybody very nervous about driving in ordinary circumstances.”

In 2005 BOP built a £150,000 mesh cage above the Fancy Road footbridge, which links Tesco at Tower Park with Canford Heath, to stop hooligans hurling shopping trolleys, bikes, rocks and stones onto the road. This followed a spate of incidents.

And in 2003 truck driver Michael Little, 53, died after a brick was hurled at his 40-tonne lorry from a footbridge over the M3 motorway in Surrey.

Inspector Wasey said: “I directly appeal to the culprits to stop acting so irresponsibly. Anyone found carrying out such acts will be dealt with robustly.”

Meanwhile, AA President Edmund King said: “Thankfully such incidents are relatively rare, but they are also incredibly serious. We would urge any drivers who see individuals throwing objects from road bridges to report them.

“It is vital that the police can build up intelligence on such incidents to target and prosecute the individuals responsible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 7:35. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.