A BUS provider fears certain areas in Colchester are becoming no-go zones for its drivers amid increased hostility.
First Bus has warned journeys across the city may be cancelled if a rise in anti-social behaviour continues.
The public transport operator says hostility against its vehicles and drivers has increased in recent weeks during a spate of concerning incidents.
Staff manager Kai Wilson said Forest Road, on the Greenstead estate, and areas around the University of Essex have been the most troubling for drivers.
He explained over the past few weeks the company has experienced several incidents of anti-social behaviour where objects have been thrown at bus windows.
“This criminal activity cannot be tolerated and I am concerned that at some point one of our drivers or a passenger may be seriously injured through this mindless activity,” said Mr Wilson.
READ MORE >> Passengers watch on in horror at 'disturbance' after item thrown at bus in Colchester
“The safety and wellbeing of our staff and travelling customers is at the forefront of our thoughts at this time.
“I want to apologise in advance and confirm that journeys may be cancelled at short notice if this anti-social behaviour continues.”
It follows a disturbance on Wednesday evening where an unknown item was thrown at a bus in Forest Road at about 6.50pm.
Essex Police is now investigating after the bus’ window was shattered as terrified passengers watched on in horror.
Two people were left with injuries in the incident which has since been condemned by Greenstead councillor and mayor of Colchester Tim Young.
“On Wednesday night, a further incident occurred and the police arrested a member of the public involved in causing damage to a bus window on one of our buses,” added Mr Wilson.
A Greenstead resident also reported her elderly mother was left shaken up after youngsters threw stones at the windows of a bus she was on recently.
She called for parents to drive home the dangers of these actions to their children.
If you witnessed the incident on Wednesday evening and can help the police, you should call 101 and cite incident 1120 of October 5.
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