Bricks and stones thrown at buses in fortnight of "mindless vandalism" endangering drivers and passengers

First Leeds said there has been more than 20 incidents of objects being thrown at vehicles in just two weeks.

The onslaught of anti-social behaviour caused bus drivers to divert route and, on some days, suspend service entirely.

The bus company has condemed the "reckless" behaviour and urged community leaders, residents and local councillors to try to help stop the rise in vandlism before someone is seriously hurt.

Tom Bridge, Operations Director of First West Yorkshire, said: “This mindless vandalism is endangering our drivers and customers and we’re sure the communities will want to join together and do what they can to end this reckless behaviour before someone is seriously hurt or worse.

“The safety of our staff and customers is our highest priority and we are working closely with the police to investigate the incidents including the use of on board CCTV footage to help identify the individuals involved.

"Although isolated, such attacks can have very serious consequences and we would encourage anyone with information to contact the police or get in touch with Crimestoppers.”

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Key areas of concern have been identified by First Bus. These include:

- The bus terminus at Whinmoor

- Napburn Approach and Coal Road which are served by the number 56

- Middleton Park Circus

- Middleton Ring Road

- Middleton Park Avenue (all served by the 12/13A/74/75)

- The service 5 operating through York Road to Osmandshorpe Lane and Coronation Parade in Halton

Due to the level of vandalism in the area, First Bus is now considering implement diversions away from parts of Middleton, Whinmoor and Halton Moor.

It is also considering stopping services earlier in the evening to ensure the safety of those on board.

Mr Bridge said: “We appreciate the inconvenience this would cause but have to safeguard our drivers and passengers."

He added: "Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to timetable arrangements, with damaged buses having to be withdrawn.

"We aim to source a replacement bus as quickly as possible in order to minimise disruption to our customers, but when vandalism occurs while the bus is in service, then it does inevitably and regrettably result in at least part of that scheduled journey being lost.

“In the current circumstances a delay or non-running on part of a route could impact the travel plans of key workers in health and other essential sectors, so the knock-on can affect other vital services.”

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Last month, the number 5 Halton Moor Circular switched to using all-electric buses with the launch of nine new vehicles, making it the first zero-emission fleet in West Yorkshire.

“This was a proud moment for the company and we’ve had a great reaction from customers to the high quality travel this provides into and out of the city centre,” said Tom Bridge. “We’re sure local people will want to ensure nothing spoils this experience.”

Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online.

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