Car yobs left a trail of chaos

Yobs used a catapult to launch metal ball bearings through windows, targeting innocent bystanders including children eating in a McDonald's fast foot outlet.

Police were initially called at about 5.45pm on Friday after residents reported car windows and glazing in their homes broken in Auckley, Dunsville and Hatfield.

The car continued into Doncaster and then turned up at the McDonald's at the Dome at around 9pm.

A party of two woman and 15 children were eating a meal as two windows were broken by ball bearings fired from catapults from the passing vehicle.

Officers with guns caught up with the gang at the restaurant at around 10pm.

Chief Inspector Nick Whitehouse said: "This was a frightening incident for those whose premises or vehicles were damaged.

"No one was injured, but distress was caused by the culprits through this foolish escapade.

"The swift police action in coordinating the search for the vehicle and to capture those responsible prevented further attacks. We have been contacting the people affected to reassure them.

"A weapon, thought to be a catapult, was seized and enquiries are continuing."

Police are appealing for information about the incident to contact them, and are keen to trace the two women who were in charge of the group of children to help with enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact acting Detective Sergeant Pete Muir on 01302 385171 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Four men aged in their late teens to early 20s, from Humberside and Nottinghamshire have been arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.

McDonald's regional communications officer Emma Johnson said: "McDonald's can confirm that two windows were slightly damaged at our restaurant at Doncaster Dome last Friday after a steel ball bearing was fired at them using a steel catapult.

"The restaurant was open at the time but no customers or employees were hurt. We believe the police have made two arrests in connection with the incident.

"The windows have been repaired."