POLICE are hunting air rifle snipers who have been taking pot shots at passing cars.

At least two drivers have been shot at and one of them was wounded in the cheek when the pellet shot through his open window.

Police say both shootings, in the Ashford area, could have sparked major police firearms incidents although there is no law against owning or firing a BB gun.

The victim hit the cheek, initially thought he had been struck by a flying stone but later searched his car and found an air gun pellet.

The first shooting happened in Ashford's Norman Road and the second four days later near the town's Beaver Road roundabout.

In that incident the driver heard loud bangs before two pellets chipped his windscreen causing £250 worth of damage.

Det Sgt Rod Scawen, who is leading the hunt for the air-gunners, said: “Replica and BB air guns are very realistic and teenagers and children can get hold of them, even though they are expensive.

“There is obvious stupidity firing a missile into a moving vehicle with the attendant danger of causing serious injury or damage.”

He added: “We treat emergency calls from the public regarding firearms very seriously. They can result in major firearms incidents. While there is no law against owning or firing a BB or replica gun, it makes sense to use them responsibly and not put innocent members of the public in danger.”