Buses diverted in Leeds after 'missiles' thrown

Arriva said the 229 service will be diverted this evening due to reports.

Missiles are being thrown at vehicles near Cottingley Springs, Gelder Road, Arriva said.

Their 229 service will now divert via the M621 between the Porsche Garage and Gildersome Green for the remainder of the evening.

Arriva said: "We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause."

The reports come just months 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 in November 2020.

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.”