Missiles thrown at buses in Leeds forcing First Bus to divert York Road services

First Bus has reported misses being thrown at buses in the York Road area.

Due to the attacks, services cannot serve the stop at the Slip Road towards Raincliffe Road, near The White Horse pub.

Buses will stay on York Road and use the flyover heading towards Leeds.

The diversion affects services 11A, 19, 19A, 40, 56 and 64.

It comes after bus drivers in Leeds reported a fortnight of "mindless vandalism" in which yobs threw bricks and stones at buses.

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 condemned the "reckless" behaviour and urged community leaders, residents and local councillors to try to help stop the rise in vandalism 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.”

Due to the level of vandalism in the area, First Bus is now considering implementing 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He added: "Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to timetable arrangements, with damaged buses having to be withdrawn.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.”