Vandal throws item at bus in Colchester sparking brawl

The incident happened in Forest Road, Colchester, after an unknown item was thrown at the vehicle. 

Police are now investigating a 'disturbance' which happened after the bus stopped. 

Two people were left with injuries with concerned eyewitnesses watching on in horror as the incident unfolded.

The disturbance happened at about 6.50pm on Wednesday evening on the Greenstead estate.

Incident - the Forest Road and Hawthorn Avenue junction (Image: Newsquest)

“We were called to reports of an item being thrown at a bus,” said a spokesman.

“Following the incident it was also reported two became involved in a disturbance and both parties sustained injuries.”

A Greenstead resident told the Gazette a similar incident on a bus in Colchester left her mother and other elderly passengers shaken up.

She claimed youngsters were throwing stones at the vehicle’s windows as it drove past.

Targeted- buses at Colchester's bus station

“I hope these people realise how much hassle they cause. There were a few elderly people who were a little shaken,” said the mother.

On Wednesday evening’s incident, she added: “Luckily no one was sitting at the window that got broken and were harmed.

“I hope those responsible are dealt with in the right way.

“I would ask parents to reiterate the dangers of doing these things to any type of vehicle.”

Greenstead councillor Tim Young said the estate sees an increase in “liveliness” as students return for the new academic year, but condemned any form of criminal activity.

Concerned - Tim Young (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s deeply irresponsible behaviour to throw items at anything but at a public transport vehicle is just irresponsible in the extreme,” he said.

“It sounds a very disturbing incident and I hope both parties learn this sort of behaviour isn’t acceptable and any consequences will be deserved."

Kai Wilson, staff manager at First Colchester said: "Over the past few weeks we have experienced several incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Forest Road area and around the university 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, 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."

If you witnessed the incident and can help the police, you should call 101 and cite incident 1120 of October 5.