Bridge mesh to prevent attacks

Police are warning children of the dangers of throwing items

Bridges over the North East's motorways could be covered over with perspex or mesh to stop children throwing bricks at traffic.

The idea is being considered by a Northumbria Police unit which is dealing with the problem.

In the last year, Northumbria Police estimates there have been 14 incidents in Washington, Wearside, where people - usually young children - have thrown things from bridges at the traffic below them.

At least one person has been arrested recently on Wearside for doing this.

Sergeant Ken Robinson of Northumbria Police said: "It will be a radical plan but in the long-term I think it is the answer.

"Covering over will prevent youths thowing objects on to the traffic underneath.

'Serious issue'

"I think some of these young children do not understand how dangerous it can be for drivers below and for their passengers."

He said police were going into schools in the Washinton area to educate young children about the consequences of their actions.

Malcolm Dodds, of the Road Haulage Association in the north of England, said: "It is a very serious issue that affects all road users, not just heavy goods drivers.

"It is encouraging to hear that police are going into schools.

"Covering over bridges would be expensive but would go a long way to preventing the problem."