Young vandals caused £9,000 of damage to buses and left a man injured after an afternoon of "mindless behaviour" on a Bradford estate.

Fourteen buses were damaged in Saffron Drive, Allerton, after being pelted with bricks by gangs of youths.

Some 18 double-glazed windows, costing £500 each, were smashed as drivers attempted to avoid showers of debris.

Bradford bus company First's operational director, Khadim Hussain, said he feared that the 617 and 618 bus services, which run between Bradford Interchange and Allerton, may have to be diverted if problems continue.

"We are extremely concerned about the safety of our drivers in the Allerton area and that of our customers after this mindless behaviour," he said.

"It has come to a situation where we need to feel safe to operate in the area and if the problems continue then we might need to find an alternative route.

"The last thing we want is for buses to be withdrawn from the area but we are concerned."

A First bus driver, who was working at the time but did not wish to be named, said: "The problems are especially bad on the weekend or if the schools are on holiday. You really are taking your life into your own hands.

"It's frightening having to drive through and take these stones being thrown at you. I think there should be more of a police presence up here and I really feel that the buses should be diverted until something about the problem is sorted out."

Passenger Ted Harris fears he will suffer permanent hearing loss after a missile crashed through a window and struck his head leaving him dripping with blood.

The 65-year-old book-keeper said: "One second I was sitting reading and the next, I was lying on the seat staring at the floor. I felt something warm at my ear and knew immediately it was blood."

Councillor John Buffham (Con, Thornton) said residents were fed up with the vandals and wanted action to be taken.

"Something has to be done to tackle these youngsters," he said. "We need people to come forward so that action can be taken."

A police spokesman said inquiries were continuing into the violence on Saturday afternoon and confirmed that one person had been arrested following the incidents.

A Council spokesman said: "Our tenancy enforcement team will be working with the police to try and identify those responsible."