VANDALS put the lives of dozens of drivers at risk when they hurled objects from a bridge on to cars travelling along a Southampton motorway.

Four motorists reported being pelted with objects, including bottles, from the footbridge over the M271 near Redbridge Towers.

They told how missiles plummeted into traffic, bouncing off vehicles into cars following at up to 70mph behind.

Only minor damage was done - but police have warned that the multiple attacks, which come during a spate of similar incidents, could have been deadly.

Almost exactly a year ago at the same spot, a lorry driver had a miraculous escape when yobs sent a brick smashing through his windscreen.

Residents in the area, who have been battling to scrap the footbridge for more than three years, have now stepped up their campaign.

The terrifying incidents happened at about 6pm on Monday, when up to three youths were spotted flinging small missiles off the footbridge which links Gover Road with Studland Road.

A Rownhams woman driving a BMW southbound was the first to be targeted, at 5.50pm.

Then the youths moved to the northbound side, and launched objects at a Vauxhall Astra and Escort.

A Volkswagen driven by a Shirley man was also hit by flying bottles that bounced off a vehicle in front, just after 6pm.

The news has angered Old Redbridge residents, who have long been fighting to have the bridge torn down, as reported in the Daily Echo in May.

Residents' association chairman Mervyn Humphreys, said: "We are very concerned to hear this and it only adds to our argument that very few genuine walkers use this bridge - perhaps 20 in a week. It's mainly used by teenagers and vandals.

"Anything thrown off that bridge could cause serious injury because of the speed the cars go at. Frankly, it should be completely closed."

The incident is part of a growing trend of motorway attacks.

Windows of two cars were smashed in separate incidents on the M27 at Stoneham in August 2003.

Justlast month, a slab of stone was thrown into the path of a lorry from a motorway bridge near Whiteley. The driver could have been killed.

Today Sgt Phil Kerr, from Shirley police station, told the Daily Echo: "This is extremely dangerous. Young people should be mindful of how dangerous this is and parents should impose on their children the seriousness of it."

He added that the police were currently working with council highways experts to either demolish the bridge, block it off from walkers or enclose it with a roof and sides.