A GRITTER lorry crashed into a parked car in Flintshire after the driver lost control when his vehicle was pelted by snowballs thrown by youths.

The incident happened in the Leeswood area of Mold shortly before noon yesterday when the gritter truck was in Bryn Clyd.

The torrent of snowballs thrown by the youngsters startled the driver causing him to crash. Fortunately no-one was injured.

South Flintshire Inspector Martin Best has blasted the youths.

He said: “Fortunately on this occasion there has been no injuries. However, North Wales Police consider the matter to be very serious and we will not tolerate dangerous and irresponsible behaviour such as this.”

A group of youths were seen throwing snowballs at the scene, but had run off by the time police arrived.

Dave Faulkner, head of highways at Flintshire Council, said: “This thoughtless and irresponsible behaviour distracted the driver and resulted in the gritter hitting a stationary car.

"Fortunately, the gritter driver was uninjured, although shaken, and the gritter suffered minor damage.”

Treuddyn councillor Carolyn Thomas said she had had problems in the village with youths throwing snowballs at cars.

She said: “I don’t think they really understand the consequences of their actions.

“Gritter drivers are driving in hazardous conditions and it’s dangerous if a snowball hits their windscreen.

"They have been working long shifts, through the night, non-stop since Christmas and then they get snowballs thrown at them. It’s the last thing they need.”

Anyone with information  should call the police on 101.