Yobs are threatening to turn parts of Basildon into no-go areas for public transport after gangs lobbed concrete bricks at two buses.

The first attack happened in West Mayne, in Laindon, when a gang of youths threw a rock at a First bus, leaving a window shattered and the driver and passengers distressed.

Police were called to the scene but there was no sign of the gang.

Later that evening another group of youths, possibly the same group, were loitering on the footbridge over West Mayne.

A large concrete lump was dropped from the bridge on to a moving Ford Focus completely smashing the windscreen. The driver escaped without injury but was left with a £150 bill.

Chris McCormick, First Buses divisional manager, said: "This is such a serious incident and one that can cause real injuries and even death. Many of our staff are concerned about their safety."

Published Friday January 30, 2004

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