Youths attack buses

Services withdrawn by Xplore after vandalism

A BUS operator was forced to pull services for the second time in two months after youths pelted vehicles with stones.

The 9, 10 and 33 services — which are run by Xplore Dundee — were withdrawn from Lothian Crescent in Whitfield yesterday.

The windows on two vehicles were damaged after being attacked with rocks.

A statement issued by the firm said: “We regret that all buses will be withdrawn from Lothian Crescent for the rest of t he night due to stone throwing.

“As a result, outer circle services 9/10 will be diverted via Whitfield Drive in both directions. Service 33 will head via Whitfield Drive/ Drumgeith Road to terminate at Summerfield Avenue.

“The decision to divert services in this instance is not taken lightly but in respect to both passenger and driver safety, it was necessary.”

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We received a call at 7.45pm to Lothian Crescent. Inquiries are continuing to trace a number of youths.”

Passengers meanwhile slammed the stone-throwing thugs.

Alexander Brian Motion said: “This is nothing new — it’s been going on for years. As usual no one gets caught.”

Yinyee Chemg warned that someone was “going to get hurt”.

It’s the second time in just over two months Xplore has been forced to pull services from Lothian Crescent.

The firm withdrew buses from the street in early November, when youths climbed onto a construction site and pelted vehicles with missiles.

Xplore has also recently launched a safety video demonstrating the serious consequences of throwing stones at passing buses.

The video was created in partnership with Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Dundee City Council.

It is hoped that showing the film in schools will help to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour across the city.

Two Xplore vehicles were targeted by youths throwing stones.