Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a large metal wheel drum struck a number of vehicles on the M23 near Gatwick yesterday evening (25 June).

Officers received a call around 5.15pm reporting that the drum had found its way onto the southbound carriageway and had struck a beige Volkswagen Passat, causing a front offside tyre blow-out.

The drum then got knocked across onto the northbound carriageway where it smashed through the central reservation and struck a black Volvo XC 90.

The debris was then sent back down the northbound carriageway where it collided with the front nearside of a black Audi Q7 and smashed through the windscreen, causing massive damage. The drum also struck the front seat passenger, who was asleep, fortunately only causing minor injuries.

The drum also struck the rear offside seat of the same car, narrowly avoiding the rear seat passenger.

All occupants were covered in glass from the windscreen and were taken to East Surrey Hospital for medical treatment.

PC Darren Pemble, who is investigating the incident, said: “Although a number of people were treated for minor injuries, it is just fortunate that this did not cause a more serious, or even fatal, collision.

“We do not know where the metal drum came from, although we suspect it must have become detached from another vehicle. I would like to speak to anyone who can help us pinpoint how the drum ended up on the M23 or anyone who witnessed this incident, or can offer any more information.”

If you can help, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting incident reference P17158348 or you can use the online reporting system found at https://report.police.uk and enter the reference number in the ‘Additional information’ section. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.