A business owner is thinking of giving staff hardhats after ball bearings were fired into his yard.

Martin Burford, who runs Sheppey Motor Salvage in Rushenden Road, Queenborough, said he was considering the measure after a windscreen on one of his vehicles was smashed.

The 60-year-old father-of-three employs sons Glen, Gary and Matthew and is worried they could be seriously injured.

Mr Burford said: "They're being fired towards us using a catapult.

"We were standing here one day and one of them landed next to one of my sons."

Referring to the 1972 classic film about friends ambushed by locals, he added: "It's like Deliverance comes to the Island."

It is the first time his business has been targeted but other firms nearby have also had the objects directed towards them.

He added: "If a member of my team was to be hit by one of these I would feel like I haven't done enough.

"It's like Deliverance comes to the Island" - Martin Burford

"I work with my three children and what worries me is that I'll have to give them hardhats every time they step out of the building.

"My biggest problem at the moment is, apart from any firm evidence of where they are coming from, the damage they cause.

"This could be a serious problem soon.

"This happening to a business which has invested in Queenborough is disgusting.

"I've thrown everything I possess into this building, yes for my own gain but it's done to invest in the area as well.

"I spoke to the police on Monday and the woman taking the report said she'd put it down as criminal damage but I asked if she could put it as something more serious.

"Someone could get hurt in the near future."

A police spokesman said officers received a report of damage to a vehicle at about 1.15pm on Monday and officers are investigating.

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