"Bus surfing" yobs are risking their lives by riding on the roof of moving buses.

Transport chiefs are so concerned about the dangerous antics they are now considering re-routing some bus services.

Bosses at First Bradford say they will have to re-route 675 and 677 buses in a part of West Bowling if unruly youths do not stop.

They have been using the bus shelter at Springwood Gardens on the Parkside Estate to launch themselves on to single-decker buses and ride on top while they are moving.

The youths are also throwing stones at moving buses, switching off engines using the emergency stop button at the back of the vehicle and abusing drivers and passengers.

Khadim Hussain, operations director at bus company First Bradford, said: "Bus surfing is incredibly dangerous and could easily result in a fatality. Youngsters who embark in this type of activity are putting their safety and that of others at great risk.

"The grave danger is that the driver may not be aware that the activity is taking place but if the driver knows there are people on the top of the bus they are instructed to stop the bus immediately, ask them to get down and report the offender to the police."

The First service could be re-routed as a result, which means it would miss out the vast majority of the estate's community.

Yassar Taj, chairman of the Parkside Residents' Association, said: "Bus surfing and throwing missiles at buses is dangerous not only to themselves but also to other people.

"Their actions are infuriating the community whose way of life is being threatened due to their mindless behaviour.

"This minority of yobs are causing absolute chaos on an otherwise peaceful estate.

"The suggestion to move the bus service is not viable because it would mean that residents would have to walk right to the other end of the estate to get on the bus, this is not an option for many elderly or disabled residents."

Mr Hussain said: "There have been a number of incidents over the last few months which have resulted in our considering to withdraw the service from this part of the estate. Our primary concern is that our passengers and drivers safety are at risk.

"My drivers should not have to come to work and fear that they may be attacked while doing their job."

Similar action was taken by the company in 1995 when buses in Ravenscliffe were put on a curfew which meant that they no longer operated services through the estate after 6pm after a violent attack on one of their drivers.

It took 20 months for the service to be reinstated.

"The last resort is to stop the bus service because it is very difficult to re-implement it after it has been pulled, but we will do it if attacks persist," said Mr Hussain.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "This type of anti-social behaviour is clearly dangerous and unacceptable. We are aware of the situation and we are seeking to gather information and evidence.

"Anyone with information about incidents or suspects should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Councillor Ann Ozolins, (Liberal Democrat, Idle), a member of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, said: "This is a quality of life issue for people living on the estate and it has to be addressed.

"The solution might be to take away bus shelters so the youths cannot get on top. The question is do people want bus shelters or buses?"

A spokesman for Metro, the body which regulates bus services, said: "Passengers should not be inconvenienced by a lack of services or shelters by these people who are putting themselves, bus passengers and other road users at risk.

"We are in close discussions with the police and the bus operator, and would urge anyone who witnesses this behaviour to report it."