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A man has been left shaken-up and thankful to be alive after a paving stone came crashing through his car window.

Health and safety co-ordinator Ian Pugh was driving at 70mph in his 2007 Vauxhall down the A467 – better known as Risca bypass – when a chunk of rock came hurtling towards him out of the dark on Sunday October 29.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the experience, he said: “It was around 8:30 at night and I was on my way home to Cwmcarn.

“When I passed by the old brickworks, I noticed this dark object coming towards me and managed to duck out of the way.

“It caught my shoulder but it was inches away from my head. I’m very lucky.”

Mr Pugh managed to get the car home as there was nowhere to stop, before assessing the damage done. He continued: “The rock actually split into three pieces. There was one on the passenger seat, one in the footwell, and one as far back as the boot. If there was anyone else in the car it could’ve been a disaster.”

The car should have been a write-off according to Mr Pugh, but he’s been forced to only replace the windscreen as he needs the car to take his mother back and forth to hospital for cancer treatment.

“I’ve spoken to a few people who say they’ve experienced similar incidents over the last four to five weeks down that stretch of road. I just hope the police find whoever is doing it before something worse happens.”

Gwent Police are appealing for information, and can be contacted by calling 111 or via social media quoting log number 2300369058.

The force added: “We’re committed to protecting our communities and will take action against anyone intent on causing harm or disorder.”