Boy, 17, arrested after boulder dropped on to van

A police car at the A617 in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire. The car has green and blue markings and is behind temporary yellow plastic fencing. Three signs stand in front. A blue one on the left has "police accident" written on it in white letters. The middle one, a red one, has "road closed due to incident" also in white letters on it. The right hand one is yellow with black wording saying "Diversion" with an arrow pointing to the right. Two people stand to the right of the police car next to a sign for Newark.
Image caption,

The A617 was closed for investigation work on Saturday

  • Published

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after a boulder was dropped from a bridge, seriously injuring a van driver passing below.

Nottinghamshire Police said the 26-year-old man lost consciousness when it smashed through his windscreen as he was driving along the A617, near Rainworth, at about 22:00 GMT on Friday.

He suffered injuries to his head and face and is "extremely lucky to be alive", the force added.

The arrested boy has since been released on police bail.

'Recovering in hospital'

Officers say they have analysed large amounts of CCTV footage and spoken to several witnesses, but have now renewed their appeal for information.

Det Con Sarah Kirk said: "We don't currently know why someone would do something as stupid and as reckless as this, but we are working hard to track them down.

"I believe several people out there know who's responsible but have so far been reluctant to come forward out of fear for the victim's condition.

"Now that the victim is recovering in hospital, I hope these individuals will tell us what they know so we can give him the justice he deserves and protect other road users from harm."

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