POLICE in Hyndburn say a driver could have been killed after three boys – one aged 10 – threw debris from an overhead bridge onto the M65.

The incident has led to a police warning to children to stay away from bridges as their summer break from school starts.

Police caught the three children throwing bricks on to the motorway near the Altham overbridge on 16 July.

The youngsters were spoken to in front of their parents about the potential consequences of their actions.

Inspector Phil Cottam from the Motorway Unit said: "The motorway network is no place to play. The incident that took place could have been horrific had one of the drivers lost control. I would urge all children to stay clear of the roads as they are simply not playgrounds.

"Parents and guardians also have a responsibility to make sure they know where there children are playing and to make sure it is not on the motorway, or any other main road for that matter. Groups of friends also have a responsibility to each other.

"Playing chicken and putting pressure on someone to enter the carriageway is not only likely to lead to serious injury but death.

"The motorway is an extremely dangerous place and is not safe to play on or anywhere near. Once somebody steps foot on the fence at the side of the motorway they are committing a criminal offence. People caught will be dealt with."