POLICE have stepped up patrols following reports of yobs hurling rocks, stones and even eggs at passing pedestrians.

Wickford residents took to Facebook to post warnings after being struck by items thrown from passing cars.

One woman told how her brother was hit by an object as he walked along London Road, at the junction with Victoria Avenue - with the force knocking him over.

The incident took place at about 7pm on Saturday.

Posting on Facebook, she said: “My brother and his wife were walking down London Road to go out for a meal when a car went past and an object was thrown, hitting my brother.

“This knocked him to the ground and unfortunately in their shocked states, they didn’t see what car it was.

“He thinks it was a rock or a stone.

“If you’re hit by anything as you’re walking along, not expecting to be hit, it can knock you over.

“Please be careful, what is happening to our our town?”

Another victim, who did not want to be identified, said: “I also had an object thrown at me from somebody in a gold SUV.

“It hit me in the back and winded me. Another couple came over as they also had something thrown at them.”

It is understood that eggs have also been thrown at people and houses.

Sgt Rob Maile, from the Basildon community policing team, said: “We are aware of the problems and we have got some reports.

“We are doing active patrols mainly in the evenings when we have availability - we are trying to solve it.”

Anyone with information about the incidents can call Essex Police on 101.