VANDALS are placing obstructions in the middle of busy roads around Bolton causing drivers to take drastic action to avoid them.

Debris is being thrown on to carriageways by the yobs - with motorists often not spotting the objects until they are close to them.

Taxi driver Roy Stickland-Constable, of Ainse Road, Blackrod, smashed into a barrier that a gang had placed on Mansell Way, Horwich, on Saturday morning.

Mr Stickland-Constable had swerved to avoid the obstruction but still hit it side on, damaging his left indicator light and bumper.

Mr Stickland-Constable, who has worked as a taxi-driver for 27 years, said: "It was about 1am and I was on my way to pick up a passenger going in the direction of Chorley New Road when I noticed about five youths hanging around on the bridge.

"The next thing I know, Im driving towards this barrier, which looked like a square framed sign, that had been placed in the middle of the road. I swerved but I still clipped it. It shook me up.

"I stopped to try and pick up the debris and waved a couple of motorists on but I wasnt safe where I was so I thought it was best to get back in my car and phone the police."

The barrier also affected other cars. Mr Stickland-Constable said he saw a furious driver further down the road who also had his car damaged by the sign.

He said: "Whoever did this doesnt have a brain. Theyd planned this and were hanging around to see what happened."

Police confirmed they had received reports of a large metal road sign in the middle of the road.

Inspector Simon Miskell, of Greater Manchester Police in Bolton, said: "This is incredibly dangerous and it is very lucky that nobody was seriously injured.

"I want to send out a clear message to people who may think this is a game, that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour. Anyone caught taking such action will be dealt with appropriately."