Threat to stop bus services after yobs throw bricks on Canvey route

First Essex says the last attack happened on Monday evening.

In the most recent incident, the front window and side window where pushchairs and wheelchairs can park were hit.

It has meant some disruption to customers as services have been unable to operate.

Now bosses at the bus firm say they fear a passenger or bus driver could be left seriously injured by the “mindless criminal activity.”

Dan Worley, operations manager at First Hadleigh, said: “I want to apologise to customers in advance who may be affected by journeys operating to Canvey being temporarily suspended at short notice due to the continuous incidents we are experiencing with bricks being thrown at bus windows.

Pictures show the smashed windows of the FIrst bus

“I am concerned that at some point, one of our drivers or a passenger may be seriously injured through this mindless criminal activity, and so until the matter is resolved, I will be considering terminating services that would normally travel to Canvey at Benfleet Station.

Read more >> Windows and mirror smashed after yobs hurl bricks and stones at moving bus

“We are working closely with the police to try and identify and apprehend the people involved, but safety and the wellbeing of our staff and the travelling public has to be our overriding concern at this time.

“In addition to the safety concerns there is also the matter of ‘cost’ to replace the broken windows which is now into the £1,000’s which is not something that we as a business providing a service to the local community should be expected to pay for.

“This activity has been going on for far too long and unless it is addressed urgently, we may need to take a more permanent decision as to whether we continue to serve the island.”

It comes days after the Echo revealed how yobs had hurled bricks and stones at a moving bus, smashing a window and the driver’s wing mirror.