Evening services suspended after buses 'pelted'

The incidents happened on the 482 service between Gravesend and Kings Farm

Evening journeys on a bus route in Kent have been suspended due to safety concerns as vehicles have been "pelted with objects", the operator says.

Arriva said the most recent incident on its 482 route between Gravesend and Kings Farm saw a window smashed and shattered glass land on a child in a buggy.

The operator said there had been a "series of serious incidents" involving objects being thrown at its buses, so the final service would now leave Gravesend at 17:47 BST on weekdays and 17:35 on weekends.

Michael Jennings, head of commercial for Arriva South, said: "This kind of reckless and dangerous behaviour is completely unacceptable."

He said it was "extremely fortunate" no one had been seriously hurt, adding: "We cannot allow that risk to continue."

Arriva said it was hoping to restore its full evening service from 4 May, but if the "attacks" continued, it would have no choice but to permanently withdraw evening journeys on the route.

"We are working closely with the police and the local community and we sincerely hope to be in a position to reinstate evening journeys soon," Mr Jennings added.

The bus operator said: "This is not a decision that has been taken lightly and Arriva understands the inconvenience this may cause to customers.

"However, the safety of those customers and drivers must come first."

Kent Police has been contacted for more information.