Police have issued a warning over "dangerous" behaviour after teenagers reportedly threw objects from a footbridge onto the A690.
Officers from Northumbria Police were called to the footbridge in Houghton-le-Spring late on Sunday afternoon after concerns were raised.
When they arrived, the youths were gone and although officers have not received any reports of vehicles being damaged, they have issued an urgent warning.
They said throwing objects at moving vehicles can cause a driver to lose control and cause a collision with "unthinkable" consequences.
Officers also urged parents to speak to their children about what could happen if they throw objects onto a busy motorway.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We can confirm we received a report on late Sunday afternoon that teenagers had been throwing objects off a footbridge onto the A690 at Houghton.
"We have not had any reports of vehicles being damaged and when officers attended the area those responsible had already left.
"Behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and can be incredibly dangerous. Not only could it cause significant damage to vehicles but it could also cause a driver to lose control and cause a collision.
"The consequences of that are unthinkable and we would ask parents to speak to their children about exactly what could happen if they throw objects onto a busy motorway.
"If anyone knows who was responsible for the incident in Houghton on Sunday then please contact us on 101 quoting log 803 25/04/21."
