Bristol buses cancelled after drivers and vehicles attacked

First Bus has been forced to cancel a number of services today (November 1) after vandalism on Halloween saw drivers and moving buses attacked.

At least two buses in Bristol were vandalised last night, First say, with at least two incidents involving large objects being thrown directly at the driver.     

Last night, a handful of services were also cancelled following fears more attacks could take place.    

And today, a number of buses have been taken out of action while thousands of pounds of repairs are carried out.  

This comes after Avon & Somerset Police revealed it had received more than 1,000 calls on both the 999 or 101 numbers on Halloween. 

Rob Pymm, First Wales and West’s commercial director, said: “It is utterly disgraceful that our drivers and customers have faced this despicable behaviour from a minority of mindless vandals.

“The images we have seen of our buses from last night speak for themselves; who in their right mind would consider throwing a heavy object at a moving bus, let alone towards the driver, endangering them and everyone on board.

“Sadly, we had no option but to pull some routes last night, and today our passengers continue to be inconvenienced while the buses are off the road being repaired. 

“All we can do is apologise and reassure the public that we will resume a normal service as soon as possible.” 

In Bristol, both attacks took place on the company’s new service 70 cross-city route (Hengrove to the University of the West of England) near Melvin Square in Knowle West.

Passengers are encouraged to check the First Bus app for the latest service updates.