A spate of drive-by rock attacks in which motorists had missiles hurled at their cars involves as many as 20 victims.

The shocking figure has been revealed by police who issued an appeal after the mainly women drivers began contacting them with terrifying accounts of the attacks.

Jennie Ivinson was returning from a trip to Bodiam Castle with her young sons, aged three years and 17 months, when her Vauxhall Zafira was hit.

The 36-year-old was travelling along New Pond Road in Benenden on August 18, when a rock went through her windscreen, striking her in the face leaving her with a black eye and cuts on her right cheek and eyelid.

She said: “I was aware of a vehicle passing me and then bang, suddenly everything went black. My windscreen had blown and something hit me in the face.”

Nicola Waite reported her car being struck in Benenden Road, at the junction of Walkhurst Road the next day.

She said a brown van rounded the corner and she heard a massive bang when a brick hit the bonnet of her car, bouncing twice then shattering her windscreen.

Hairdresser Cheryl Morris came forward to report an incident on Bodiam Road, Sandhurst on July 18 also involving a brown van.

Lisa Cattaneo was driving her 63-year-old mother to Benenden Hospital when a missile struck the windscreen of her Ford Fiesta in Goddards Green Road, Cranbrook, forcing her off the road.

The women represent just a handful of victims and police are now examining each case, but are unable to say how many are connected.

At the launch of the appeal PC Lee Oakley of the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit said: ‘Throwing anything at a moving vehicle is incredibly stupid and dangerous, and could easily lead to somebody being seriously injured or worse.

“Anyone caught committing such crimes will face serious repercussions. We are increasing patrols in the areas affected but we also want motorists to be aware these incidents are occurring, and ask that they remain vigilant.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Oakley on 01892 502055, or email west.division.media.appeals@kent.pnn.police.uk or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.