Police have today condemned the actions of a yob who threw a stone from a bridge over the A47 southern bypass near Norwich which struck the windscreen of a lorry.

The driver was 'fortunate' to escape unhurt when the object was hurled at the lorry, which was travelling westbound between the A140 and A11 junctions south of Norwich, by a man.

The stone, which was launched by the man from a footbridge, hit the windscreen, resulting in a chip, and causing the driver to swerve.

The driver was shocked but unhurt following the incident which happened at about 8.15am on Tuesday, January 17.

Police have today described the act as 'extremely irresponsible' and are appealing for information which will bring the man to justice.

A spokesman said: 'This incident had the potential to cause a road traffic collision and in turn serious injury or damage. It happened on a busy dual carriageway at rush-hour so it is fortunate that no-one was hurt and the only damage caused was a chip to the windscreen. Such behaviour is extremely irresponsible, throwing any item into traffic puts lives at risk, and anyone found to be doing so will be firmly dealt with.'

Anyone with any information about the offender, who was wearing dark jeans and a bomber jacket, should contact PC Anthony McDonnell at Norwich Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police also want to hear from anyone who have seen any suspicious activity on bridges over the A47

The plea follows an incident of criminal damage which happened on the A47 eastbound carriageway at Intwood, near Cringleford, Norwich on Friday, December 17.

A Land Rover Freelander was struck by an unknown object. The driver heard a bang and the noise of breaking glass from their sun roof. No-one was hurt but the female driver and her passenger were shaken.

The incidents on the A47 follows two incidents at the end of last year where 'bucket-sized' concrete blocks were dropped on to passing cars on the A12 in Essex, which are being treated as attempted murder.

Carol Manley, 57, suffered life-threatening injuries when a block smashed the windscreen of a car passing under West Hanningfield bridge, on Thursday, December 1.

Earlier, mother and daughter Lisa and Stella Horne were shaken after a block went through a windscreen at Fryerning Lane bridge.

Have you got a crime story? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk.