Home   Maidstone   News   Article

Mystery golf ball attacker terrorises residents in Trellyn Close, Barming

A mystery attacker has left people scared to leave their homes by firing golf balls at them.

Families in Trellyn Close, Barming in Maidstone have been terrorised by the flying missiles which have hit a woman twice and narrowly missed children playing outside.

They have also smashed into a van, car, greenhouse and a shed window, during a two-month campaign.

Residents terrorised by stray golf balls

Malcolm Austin is concerned about safety and says police have not taken action despite being called several times.

The 65-year-old said: "My biggest concern is my grandchildren and other children who play in the close. It's only a matter of time until one of them gets hit on the head. It could potentially kill someone.

"If anybody was hit on the head by one from height it would be like a bullet.

"Someone might as well stand outside with a shotgun."

Residents are fed up with the flying golf balls; back row: Steff Plester, Lynsey Holmewood, Denise Austin and Malcolm Austin with children from the road
Residents are fed up with the flying golf balls; back row: Steff Plester, Lynsey Holmewood, Denise Austin and Malcolm Austin with children from the road

The grandfather-of-seven, a former owner of Malcolm's Hairdressers in Larkfield, is investigating where the attacks are coming from alongside other residents.

When balls began appearing they thought it was by accident, but now believe they are deliberately being aimed at from an unknown location.

“At first I thought people were doing it with a catapult but I think they might be smashing them with a tennis racket, it is like a missile," added Mr Austin.

“We have had a car damaged and my wife has been hit twice while she was simply watering the garden, it’s just not acceptable.

"Our lives have been disrupted by some idiot who doesn’t realise the danger."

Steff Plester has also been a victim with golf balls landing in her garden and smashing her shed window.

Some of the golf balls collected from the attacks
Some of the golf balls collected from the attacks

The 50-year-old said: “It’s actually been really scary because you never know when a ball is going to come and the possibility of it hitting you.

“My main concern is being hit on the head or my two dogs being struck and I’m concerned about the children who play in this road, one of them is going to be hit and it’s got to stop now.

“I just want the police to come out take some statements knock on some doors there is no presence in the area.

"Me and my neighbours and those on social media have been fantastic."

Police said they are aware of the issue and an investigation is set to include house-to-house enquiries.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More