Buses attacked in Halloween vandalism

The bus company’s 111 service from Llanelli to Swansea was attacked in the Castle Street area of Loughor with a large stone being thrown through the side window of the bus.

In another incident, the service 6, Port Tennant to Swansea route was disrupted when a member of the public dressed in a Halloween costume stood in front of a moving bus blocking the route.

First Wales and West, who also operate bus services in the Bristol area, say two attacks also took place on the company’s cross-city service 70 route from Hengrove to the University of the West of England near Melvin Square.

Rob Pymm, First Wales and West’s Commercial Director, said: “It is utterly disgraceful that our drivers and customers have faced this despicable behaviour from a minority of mindless vandals.

“The images we have seen of our buses speak for themselves; who in their right mind would consider throwing a heavy object at a moving bus, let alone towards the driver, endangering them and everyone on board.

“Sadly, we had no option but to pull some routes, and our passengers continue to be inconvenienced while the buses are off the road being repaired. All we can do is apologise and reassure the public that we will resume a normal service as soon as possible.”

Rob Pymm added: “We have reported the incidents to the police and we are reviewing our on-board CCTV, and we will do all we can with local communities and the police to help catch those responsible. We’re committed to protecting our drivers and customers, even if that means stopping services for safety reasons.”

(Lead image: First Wales and West buses)