ROCK-HURLING yobs are terrorising drivers on an upmarket Widnes estate.

Gangs hiding in Upton Rocks Park are targeting motorists with bricks, believed to be stolen from the building sites of plush new homes.

"Someone could be seriously hurt if a missile went through a vehicle's window and hit a passenger, or worse, the driver," warned Insp Neil Foxall, of Widnes neighbourhood policing unit (NPU).

"I don't think they realise the possible implications of what they are doing.

"We don't know what they look like because they are throwing things at people driving past from the bushes by the park and the drivers don't see them.

"But we are stepping up patrols and we will deal with those responsible severely.

"It is our top priority."

The high-profile police presence is in response to a spate of four attacks in one night on motorists driving along Queensbury Way last week.

One driver, whose car was bricked and dared not be named, told the World: "These are very nasty incidents and the potential outcome could lead to someone's death.

"It's time for the police and the council to act and close the park after dark before someone is hurt."

A brave mum-of-three from Regency Park - where luxurious new homes fetch up to £500,000 - said groups of fed-up residents had joined forces to confront gangs loitering in the street and demanded more help from the police.

"We've had them swinging off lampposts and spitting at people who try and chase them off," she said.

"We pay the highest council tax in the borough and expect some peace and quiet but nothing is being done."

Insp Foxall said Halton Police was liaising with the council and housing developers over the problem.

The council did not take up The World's offer to make a comment.

Of the three developers approached, only Bryant Homes replied, saying it was not aware of bricks being stolen from its well-secured and guarded site.

Anyone with information should call Widnes NPU on 0845-458 6383.