Detectives hunting thug who hurled brick at car

The missile, thrown from a footbridge in the early hours of the morning, crashed through the glass, striking the 20-year-old motorist in the face.

She managed to keep control of the car but needed seven stitches to her face and lost a tooth in the attack as she drove towards Nantwich on the A500 from Stoke-on-Trent.

A 20-year-old local man is being interviewed by detectives in connection with the offence.

Det Sgt Pete Sweeney, of Crewe CID, said: "I am only happy I am investigating an assault and not a murder or a manslaughter.

"This is obviously a serious incident. She is shocked and very sore but she is also a very lucky young lady."

DS Sweeney said the woman, who is from Meir Heath, in Stoke-on-Trent, was allowed home after hospital treatment.

She was at the wheel of a black Vauxhall Corsa, approaching Nantwich when the attack happened at around 4am on Easter Sunday morning.

Her boyfriend was with her in the car but he was asleep.

The detective described how the vehicle was approaching a footbridge linking Willaston with the old A500 at the end of the new Shavington by-pass, when the brick smashed through the windscreen.

He said a party had been taking place nearby and a number of people were using the footbridge when the missile was thrown.

He told the Guardian: "We found other bits of debris on the carriageway including a bottle and some coins.

"But the first thing the woman knew was when the brick came through the window and hit her in the face."

The car is now being examined by a team of forensic experts as detectives search for clues to the attacker's identity.

DS Sweeney added: "This a very serious matter.

"The consequences could have been so much worse than they actually were."

Anyone who can help the investigation into the attack should contact either DS Sweeney or his colleague Det Con Andy Dixon on 01244 613333.

Another motorist loses life on South Cheshire danger road ...see page seven