Disgust after yobs target bus with rock

One of the Eclipse buses was attacked by vandals

The incident happened on Sunday, at about 6pm, in Palmerston Drive, in Fareham.

It was reported that a rock had been thrown through the window of an Eclipse bus, travelling between Fareham and Gosport.

A spokesman from bus operator First Bus said: ‘One of our drivers reported that a window had been smashed on the Eclipse service at the junction of Palmerston Drive.

‘Thankfully, none of the passengers or staff on the bus were injured.

‘We do not tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour and the incident has been reported to the police. We’ve provided CCTV footage to the police to support their investigation.’

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘Police received a report of a criminal damage incident in Fareham.

‘At around 5.50pm on Sunday, February 19, an item was thrown at a bus driving in the Henry Cort Lane area, causing one of the windows to smash.

‘We would like to stress that this kind of behaviour poses a very real danger to road users, as well as members of the public who may have been travelling on the bus at this time.’

The incident has been condemned by local councillors.

Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Sean Woodward said: ‘This was an act of mindless stupidity with I am sure not a thought for the potential to cause serious injury to the bus driver and passengers.

‘I hope that the CCTV will provide enough information to enable a prosecution as an example to others.’

Cllr Graham Burgess, deputy leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: ‘It is extremely irresponsible of them. These people have got to be named and shamed and prosecuted. They could injure people like the elderly as the glass will shatter.’

As reported by The News, First Bus pulled their 9 and 9A services from Grange Road, in Rowner, in August and October last year due to youths throwing missiles at them.

Cllr Burgess said it would have a huge affect on a lot of people if the Eclipse service was temporarily cancelled.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information about who may be responsible, is asked to call police immediately on 101, quoting 44170065068.