MINDLESS thugs forced drivers to run a gauntlet of marbles, ball-bearings and wood as they used high-powered catapults to fire at passing cars and lorries last night in Southampton.

At least five vehicles, including a new Mercedes Benz, were hit in a barrage of missiles fired from verges of the M271 at Nursling.

A ground and air search including Hampshire police's spotter plane and eight patrol cars was launched in the surrounding area as 999 calls flooded in during the hour long attack.

One lorry driver was hit in the head and required ambulance treatment when an object flew threw his open cab window.

A young woman from High Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire, was covered with glass when her windscreen shattered after being struck by a marble.

Another motorist only just managed to keep control of his vehicle after a lump of wood hit his windscreen.

Police believe a group of people either hidden on verges or firing from a bridge above the motorway caused the chaos.

Inspector Peter Fuge said: "We had a call on a mobile phone from one young lady in a terrible state. She said she was surrounded by glass and had found a marble among the debris.

"It was the first time she had driven the car, a Mercedes Benz, and it was brand new.

"A lorry driver reported being hit in the head. When police got there they asked for an ambulance to be dispatched but he refused hospital treatment.

"We had calls from other motorists who said they had been struck by objects but had carried on travelling."

"Obviously to smash a windscreen with a marble must have required some force. We can only guess that it was fired by a catapult.

"Whoever is responsible for these foolish acts should realise the possible consequences of what may appear to them to be fun.

"There have been numerous fatalities in the past where vehicles or drivers have been struck by items thrown at them while driving at speed "Where that happens the offenders have found themselves facing homicide charges."

The search last night by police was unsuccessful.

Anyone with any information on the incidents is urged to contact Eastleigh traffic police on 01703 335444.

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