POLICE are looking for a gang of yobs who pelted a Southend bus with stones.

Arriva’s No 6 bus was travelling past Scott Park, in Western Approaches, Eastwood, when it came under attack.

One missile smashed a window, showering shocked passengers with broken glass, though all escaped injury.

He halted the bus to check for damage before carrying on with its journey.

Police have admitted this is not the first time vandals have targeted buses in the area.

However Sgt Tracey Butt, of Eastwood Police, said the yobs usually threw eggs, not rocks.

She added: “The bus driver was sure these youngsters were hiding behind the trees which line the park by the road, because that is the direction the rocks came from.

“We launched an operation earlier this month to combat general nuisance and antisocial behaviour in Eastwood.”

Arriva faces a £1,000 bill to repair the bus, which will be out of service until the work is done.

The setback comes weeks after the company, based at a depot in Short Street, Southend, spent £1.8million on a fleet of 12 new buses which is now operating in Rochford, Shoebury and Southend.

The company declined to comment on the latest incident.

Anyone with information on the attack, at about 6pm on Tuesday, is asked to call Sgt Butt on 01702 423182, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.