TWO bus services have been withdrawn from an area after several vandalism attacks have threatened lives. Arriva has removed the 4 and 5 bus services from Hydean Way and Shephall Way in Stevenage after missiles such as rocks have been persistently launched

TWO bus services have been withdrawn from an area after several vandalism attacks have threatened lives.

Arriva has removed the 4 and 5 bus services from Hydean Way and Shephall Way in Stevenage after missiles such as rocks have been persistently launched at buses over the past few weeks. In one of the most serious incidents a bottle of petrol was thrown into the engine at the back of a bus.

Linsey Frostick, spokesman for Arriva, explained that youths generally ride bikes four abreast in front of a bus to slow it down while others throw missiles into the engine compartment.

She said: "Fortunately there have been no serious consequences as a result of these incidents, but as a precaution we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw the services from this area while we get police support."

The services will continue to run as normal, but buses will deviate from the route to avoid Hydean Way and Shephall Way.

Ms Frostick added: "The safety of our drivers, customers and other road users is of the utmost importance and therefore the services will remain withdrawn until we are happy we have enough support to ensure no further serious incidents occur."

PC Ian Farmer, from the Stevenage Neighbourhood Team, said officers have been dispatched to incidents involving Arriva buses in that area on a number of occasions.

He said: "Reports have shown that people have reached into the back of the bus and switched off the engine using the emergency button, or that stones have been thrown or footballs kicked at the buses, but with no damage caused.

"Of course this is not acceptable and we are looking into these incidents to establish who is responsible and would urge anyone with information to contact police via the non-emergency number 0845 3300222."

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.