A MOTORCYCLIST says he could have been killed after being shot with a BB gun as part of a suspected crime spree across Hampshire.

The man and a friend suffered injuries after being hit as they drove along a road near to Romsey and police are investigating it alongside reports of damage to 40 vehicles over a large area of the county.

Seven people have been arrested after police said they were investigating claims that catapults and a BB gun were used to damage cars in the New Forest and Test Valley.

Hampshire Constabulary says the spree took place over a three hour period from 3.40pm to 6.40pm on Sunday, with a group believed to be driving in a green people carrier and firing missiles at vehicles.

More than 40 vehicles were damaged in Grateley, Mottisfont, Nether Wallop, Timsbury, Furzley, Bramshaw, Brook, Poulner and Picket Post.

And two men were travelling back to Southampton along Horse Shoe Bridge near Mottisfont from a bike meet in Dorset, and say they were hit by pellets from what they believe was a BB gun or air rifle.

The men, who have asked not to be named, were driving along Horsebridge Road shortly after 5pm when they saw a people carrier coming towards them.

One said: "It had a broken number plate and looked a bit battered.

"It was a narrow road so we slowed down and as I did I felt a sting on my arm.

"We both stopped and asked if we had both felt something - I had an injury on my arm while my friend had one on his stomach.

"We were both wearing top of the range motorcycle gear and it still got through that. From the marks and how it hurt we think it was an air rifle.

"Damaging cars is one thing but they could have killed me and my mate.

"I was driving with an open-face helmet - I could have been blinded.

"It was very dangerous. We were both very angry, we pulled over and just thought it was outrageous."

There were also reports that several cars parked on Barley Hill and Mill Rise in Dunbridge near Mottisfont were damaged at about 5.40pm on Sunday.

It is understood that a missile fired at one car passed through two windows.

Police in Hampshire worked alongside officers from Dorset and the National Police Air Service to track down the culprits and seven people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

They include four boys, aged between 13 and 16, and three men aged between 19 and 39, and have been released on bail until January 11 pending further enquiries.

Police say they are continuing to investigate a lengthy catalogue of suspected incidents, and have asked members of the public with information to contact the force on 101.