With the sudden emergence of snow across Oldham some residents claim young people could cause an accident as they accuse them of pelting snowballs 'at oncoming traffic'.

The snow has created some stunning scenes across the borough this week and some schoolchildren appear to be making the most of it by having snowball fights.

However, for some residents, the snow has also brought disruption and havoc, particularly for those behind the wheel as drivers claim they are battling both icy conditions and children throwing snowballs at their cars.

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Taking to social media, residents from Dobcross to Sholver and Moorside claim youngsters are "going to cause a crash" by "throwing snowballs at car windscreens".

A resident, who chose to be anonymous, snapped a photograph of three boys who they alleged were throwing snowballs at moving cars on Ripponden Road.

Meanwhile, Kellie Whitworth said "teenagers" were throwing snowballs at oncoming traffic at a roundabout near Limekilm Cafe on Wool Road in Dobcross.

Ms Whitworth said the snowballs were "nearly making cars swerve off the road" and warned the children "are young to kill someone".

She added: "They will be sorry if the cars swerve off the road and knock you down and kill you. Then there will be no Christmas presents for you this Christmas, just your devastated family, mourning your loss."

The woman argued throwing "anything" at ongoing traffic "is dangerous" and highlighted an aggravated risk if the drivers were elderly. 

She continued: "If they want to throw snowballs, do it with their mates, not oncoming traffic."

However, neighbours have a divided opinion on the matter, with some considering the snowballs to be harmless fun while others agree that it could present a dangerous situation.

Mark Broadbent said: "Honestly, kids are kids. Had some thrown in my direction earlier. My internal response was 'nice throw'.

"At their age, I was doing far worse.

"Let kids actually be kids and cause a little havoc.

"We are breeding absolute wet lettuces, can't do anything without people overreacting."

Steven Henshall agreed: "If you're that skittish driving, you shouldn't be behind the wheel.

"Take a deep breath, it's kids throwing snowballs love, at a roundabout where cars are coming to a stop. Nobody is going to die. Calm down.

"If a kid ever throws a snowball at my car, I'll know justice has been served and I'll pray to the gods for forgiveness."

Daniel Willis added: "I'm so happy kids are being kids again. I thought they'd forgot how to do it. Knock a door run, anyone?"

Meanwhile, others said they considered the throwing of snowballs at cars to be dangerous.

Lynsey Fletcher-Shea said she had "about six" snowballs "launched at me" and that the kids "threw hard".

She continued: "It did make me jump and swerve a little, so I do understand the point made.

"They were having a great time but I do agree that perhaps they need educating that it could be dangerous."

Irene Brown also said she didn't think it was 'acceptable', writing: "Folk who are saying they did worse things, yes, probably did, but that doesn't make this acceptable."

Others also described the children's behaviour as "shocking".

The incidents come as Oldham is bracing for Storm Bert this weekend which the Met Office warns could bring "heavy rain, strong winds and disruptive snow" to parts of the UK.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk