DRIVERS were shot at by air rifle snipers as they drove down a busy street at the weekend.

Police say the motorists only managed to avoid an accident by sheer good luck.

They have now appealed for any witnesses to the incidents in Oswaldtwistle, which caused £1,000 worth of damage to one vehicle.

The prank has also been branded as ‘stupid and dangerous’ by the borough council’s leader.

The drivers of three vehicles in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, contacted police after incidents which happened close to the railway station just after 11pm on Saturday.

A blue Jaguar was one of the first cars targeted and he was hit by a pellet which damaged the car at 11pm.

A white 09-registered Peugeot was next to be hit, with a pellet causing a 10mm dent 15 minutes later.

The driver turned around to look for the culprits, only for another pellet to hit his car, causing £1,000 damage.

A Citroen Berlingo making deliveries for a Chinese takeaway was also hit at 11.20pm causing £50 of damage. Borough council leader Peter Britcliffe, who is also an Oswaldtwistle ward councillor said: “This is a stupid and dangerous practice.

“I do hope people are able to come forward with information to help the police and that the culprits are caught.

“I would also appeal for those involved to stop these attacks straight away before someone is very seriously hurt.”

Sgt Martin Knight, of Accrington police, said: “This matter is viewed as extremely serious as it could easily have caused an accident.

“Not only has a firearm been used against members of the public but it has been fired at vehicles driving down a well-used throughfare.

“The consequences could have been very serious indeed, particularly if the pellet had happened to hit the windscreen.

"We would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to call police on 0845 125 3545.