Catapult yobs are putting lives at risk by firing metal projectiles at businesses in drive-by attacks.

Police say thousands of pounds of damage to an industrial estate has been caused by vandals firing stones nuts and bolts from car windows.

Several attacks have taken place on the Bellbrook Industrial Estate in Uckfield over the past few months.

Business owners put up a fence to try to stop their windows being smashed, but missiles are now being fired at the windows on upper floors of the units.

Sussex Police fear the escalation in attacks could lead to someone being hurt.

A spokesman said: “It is thought that the damage may be being caused by occupants of passing cars using something like a catapult. This in itself is extremely dangerous to anyone that may be either working in the unit or outside it.

“The units are occupied at different points in the day so at any time someone could be hit and injured, possibly seriously.

“These vandals are not only damaging property but are also putting people at risk with being seriously hurt or worse. When they are located they will be dealt with robustly.”

Businessman James Goddard said: “We are concerned about the safety of our staff and visitors, because one day someone could be seriously hurt.

“To see the damage that the projectiles – including stones and nuts and bolts – can cause to the structure of the building makes one shudder at the potential harm to human life.

“Due to the reckless acts of a small minority, we have had to go to great expense to replace expensive window units, install CCTV cameras, posters, and to erect a fence in order to reduce the impact that this has caused.

“However, and more importantly, These characters need to be caught and dealt with appropriately and we hope that the police and local residents can help bring this about.”

Anyone who knows about this continuing damage or has seen anything they view as suspicious either around the unit or on the bypass are urged to contact police on 101 quoting reference 0769 12/7/12.