Police have launched a manhunt for two individuals after a shocking incident that nearly claimed the lives of a mother and her young child on a major road near Bristol. The terrifying attack occurred when a brick was deliberately thrown from a bridge, smashing through the windscreen of a moving vehicle.
Miraculous Escape from Potential Tragedy
Sam Mapston was driving along the A4174 dual carriageway near Bristol at approximately 6pm on January 18th, with her two-year-old daughter securely fastened in the back seat. The family was travelling at around 45 miles per hour when, without warning, a brick was launched from an overhead bridge, shattering the front windscreen completely.
Remarkably, both mother and child escaped physical injury, though they were left covered in shards of broken glass that littered the interior of the vehicle. Disturbing photographs of the aftermath show extensive damage to the car, with fragments scattered across the seats, including the area where the toddler was sitting.
Family's Harrowing Account
Owen Mapston, Sam's partner and a tattoo artist at Phoenix Tattoo Studio, expressed the family's profound relief and anger at the reckless act. 'My whole life was in that car and it could have been gone in an instant,' he stated emotionally. 'Sam saw two young guys standing on the edge of the bridge. They were tall but as it was dark she couldn't make out much detail.'
He described the sudden impact: 'She came past the bridge and bang - the windscreen was out. It all happened so quickly.' The family had been travelling with their two dogs, a French bulldog and a Labradoodle, who were safely secured in the boot at the time of the incident.
Police Investigation Underway
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they are treating the incident with utmost seriousness. A spokesperson said: 'We received a report of a brick being thrown from a bridge and colliding with a car travelling along the A4174 near Brook Road, in Warmley, on Sunday January 18. An area tour was carried out and officers liaised with the driver to ensure they made it home safely.'
The police are appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward. The incident reference number is 5226016094, and witnesses are asked to call 101.
Wider Pattern of Dangerous Behaviour
This alarming incident is not isolated. There have been numerous documented cases across the country where objects thrown from bridges or roadside locations have caused:
- Serious injuries to drivers and passengers
- Fatal consequences in some tragic instances
- Significant damage to vehicles and property
In one recent case, a teenager sustained life-threatening facial and head injuries after a brick was believed to have been thrown into a moving vehicle during the summer months. A 17-year-old from High Wycombe was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Perhaps most tragically, in 2013, Craig Harman was sentenced to six years imprisonment after throwing a brick through the window of a 44-tonne lorry. The brick struck driver Michael Little, 53, in the chest, and despite managing to pull his vehicle to safety, he later died from heart failure.
Calls for Increased Vigilance and Action
The Mapston family are now warning other motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving near bridges and elevated sections of road. Owen Mapston has been particularly vocal about the severity of the incident, stating: 'It was a stupid thing for the guys to do and I'd say it's akin to attempted murder. They're playing with people's lives so these actions should be taken very seriously.'
He added: 'We're extremely lucky they were all unhurt. Sam could have swerved and it doesn't bear thinking about.' The family's vehicle has since been cleaned of glass fragments and taken for extensive repairs.
This disturbing event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine journeys can turn into life-threatening situations through the reckless actions of others. The police investigation continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible for this dangerous attack.
