Durham bridge 'prank' could have killed us, say rowers

A team of rowers in Durham say they are lucky none of their crew members were killed after youths hurled what is thought to be a concrete block from a bridge as they rowed beneath it.

Police investigating the the incident which they describe as an act of stupidity.

It happened last Tuesday evening when youths threw heavy objects from Baths Bridge in an apparent attempt to hit a boat which was being rowed by an all-female crew from Durham Amateur Rowing Club.

One heavy object did hit the bow of the boat, causing massive damage, nearly causing it to sink after it almost split in two.

After the shock of the attack subsided, those onboard are now just relieved that no crew members were hit.

And Emily Hanscam told ITV News Tyne Tees that she had this message for those who did it:

The incident is being investigated by Durham Police, who told ITV News Tyne Tees that it could have resulted in a tragedy of much greater consequence.

The boat is worth £12,000 and is now being repaired for damage to the bow.

It's caused a problem for the team who are training for regattas this Spring.

However, there is a relief that the outcome was not much worse.

Despite the shock and trauma, the rowers who were targeted insist this will not stop them participating in a sport that they love.