Vandals smash Elgin bus window

Police are seaking witnesses to the incident on Robertson Drive

A DRIVER and passengers narrowly avoided injury when a rock struck a bus, smashing a window.

The incident took place on Robertson Drive, Elgin, in broad daylight.

A small group of youths were seen in the area shortly before the incident.

John Divers, councillor for Elgin South, said attacks on drivers posed a serious risk to life. "We do have a group of young people in that area who have been causing issues for quite a while," he added.

"This incident resulted in the service being taken off the road and may see the service stopped all together, all because of mindless vandalism.

"This posed a real risk of injury to the driver and passengers. If the driver had been hit that could have forced them to take the bus off the road or collide with another vehicle."

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach Bluebird said a rock was thrown at one of their vehicles operating the 328/329 service on Wednesday last week.

"We are thankful that no one was injured during this mindless act and would urge anyone with any information to contact the local constabulary," she said.

"This kind of vandalism not only puts our staff and customers at risk but also causes unnecessary delay and disruption to our service levels.

"In this case, it resulted in a withdrawn service on Robertson Drive for the remainder of the evening and a short delay for our passengers whilst we arranged a replacement vehicle."

A spokesman for Grampian Police confirmed they were investigating the vandalism.

He added: "During the incident, which happened at around 3.15pm on Wednesday, February 8, a stone was thrown at the bus, causing damage to a window.

"No one was injured during the incident, although it is believed the damage will cost a low three-figure sum of money to repair.

"Investigations are ongoing into the incident and police are keen to speak with anyone who saw a small group of youths in the area shortly prior to the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to call Grampian Police on 0845 6005700 or, if wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.