Bus attacks on the increase

A BUS firm has revealed the shocking scale of attacks on its fleet by gangs of youths in Runcorn.

Arriva said it has suffered 25 incidents already year.

If that rate continues, the total could hit around 35 by the end of 2019.

The firm is now working with Cheshire police to try to tackle the problem.

Runcorn police tweeted that there have been eight in the last few weeks alone, alongside a picture showing a smashed window.

In January, the Weekly News reported how a dad had suffered a suspected broken wrist as he headed home on a number 500 bus from dropping his daughter off.

The victim’s mother called for the culprits to pay for the damage to be repaired.

Revealing the appalling tally for the year, an Arriva spokeswoman said: “Since the beginning of the year there have been a total of 25 incidents of bricks being thrown from bridges over the bus way in Runcorn and hitting buses.

“This is extremely dangerous for our driver and customers and causes serious and substantial damage to our buses.

“We are working with Cheshire police to monitor the situation, and urge anybody who witnesses a bus being damaged or attacked in this way to notify the police immediately. Arriva’s primary concern is always that of its drivers and customers and any concerns over their safety is taken extremely seriously and will not be tolerated.”

Runcorn police tweeted: “There have been 8 buses damaged in the last few weeks by youths. “We are working closely with Arriva to combat this problem and will take robust action against any youths caught or identified.

“Please speak to your children about the dangers of this kind of behaviour.”