Bradford's biggest bus company said today it was continuing to look at joining forces with the police to combat a trouble-spot in the city.

A gang of youths has been ambushing buses in Barkerend Road and hurling bricks and fruit at windows.

The latest attack took place on Tuesday afternoon, when the gang halted the bus with 30 pupils on board by pressing the stop button on a pelican crossing. One youth threw a brick through a window.

The window smashed, causing £750 worth of damage to the bus owned by JAK Travel. A child sitting next to the window escaped injury.

Kath Bonson, joint owner of JAK Travel, said the company was considering changing the bus route from Yorkshire Martyrs Collegiate School, in Westgate Hill, to Haworth Road.

She said there had been several incidents in recent weeks and feared a more serious accident could take place if action is not taken by the police.

Brandon Jones, marketing officer for First Bradford, confirmed that one of the company's buses was involved in an incident in Barkerend Road on Saturday.

He said: "On Saturday afternoon a bus window was broken by a stone. We are continuing our investigations into that incident, although we believe it is not a regular occurrence on this section of Barkerend Road.

"There have been other incidents of objects being thrown through bus windows. Obviously the safety of the driver and passengers is of paramount importance, but there is also a cost in terms of repairs and the bus being out of action.''

Recent initiatives involving the police and First Bradford include police officers travelling on the buses as a deterrent to vandals and school children from the Odsal division involved in making a video about bullying and violence on buses.

PC Alison Costello, of Bradford Central police, said there is a problem in Barkerend Road which the police are investigating.

"On Tuesday, the youths responsible jumped onto another bus towards Thornbury to get away," she said. "They had halted the bus and thrown stones at it, shattering a window. We are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford Central police on (01274) 376459.

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