Appeal for information after numerous buses targeted by youngsters

From Sunday 26 October and Tuesday 28 October police have received numerous reports of approximately seven buses being damaged by young boys.

One incident involved items being thrown at a bus on Marsh House Avenue causing damage to two windows. This led to a woman, who was a passenger on the bus, suffering minor injury to her hand from the glass.

In another reported incident in Hardwick shortly before 6pm on Monday 27 October, a bus was travelling along Scurfield Road when an object was thrown. This caused the window to smash. Thankfully no one on the bus at the was injured.

Officers from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team have obtained various footage and are looking through it in a bid to identify who is responsible and take appropriate action.

They are also appealing directly to parents and guardians to be aware of where their children are and what they are doing.

A/Inspector Chris Williams, from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “We have received numerous reports of buses being targeted over the last few days.

“In one incident, a passenger suffered an injury to her hand caused by the glass shattering and another incident involved a bus that was travelling at the time an item was thrown, this could have caused a serious collision.

“While we are looking at CCTV footage to identify who is responsible, I am appealing for information that could help with our investigation.

“I know it is half term now and children will be out with their friends however I encourage parents and guardians to speak to their children to find out where they are and what they are doing.

“If you have information please do get in touch either by calling 101 or visiting our website.”

When reporting information please quote reference number 206583.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.