BUS windows have been “smashed by yobs” on Canvey, with one passenger describing the sound of an “explosion” as the glass shattered.

In a repeat of issues seen in recent years on the island, two bus windows were smashed in recent days by youngsters launching stones, according to residents.

It has been claimed that on Friday evening and on Sunday afternoon, windows of two First Bus vehicles were smashed in Link Road, Canvey.

Passenger Sharon Goodman, of Canvey, said: “We were coming around Link Road and just passed the little Morrisons and I was sitting in front of the window.

“Two people were sitting at the seat by the window but they got off one stop before. They would’ve been seriously hurt if they were still sitting there.

“I just heard this great big bang and saw all this shattered glass spread out. Everyone had to get off and catch a different bus.”

Sharon added she believes a stone was thrown but is not entirely sure of the object.

The incident occurred on a 27 bus from Basildon to Canvey and another passenger said the same thing happened to her on Friday when she was coming home from work.

In previous years, bus routes have been diverted away from parts of Canvey because of repeated incidents.

Sharon said these types of incidents are not new and she is not sure what can be done about them.

She said: “It was just a great big thud, I’m assuming it was a stone but it made a really big bang. At first I thought the bus had run someone over.

“I had my friend with me and she is 90. It frightened the life out of me and made me really angry at the same time.

“These children kick people’s wing mirrors, they threw eggs into an open bus window a few months ago as well.”

Sharon believes parents should take more responsibility for the actions of their children in relation to these incidents.

She added: “I know you can’t watch them at all times and tag their every move and I understand they can get into the wrong crowd but something has to be done.

“Otherwise they will stop running buses around here and that is a disaster for those of us who don’t drive.”

First Bus were contacted but did not respond before the Echo went to print.