Bus company warns it might have to withdraw services after dark if yob attacks continue in Houghton

The windows of two buses were smashed by yobs throwing stones while innocent passengers sat inside during attacks on Monday evening (February 17).

Northumbria Police has hit out at the behaviour of the youths following the latest in a string of disturbances in the town and neighbouring Hetton.

Now Go North East, who runs the X20 service through Houghton, says it may be forced to withdraw the service in the area after dark to ensure driver and passenger safety.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Go North East, said: “We are working closely with the police and have reported all incidents involving buses to them to help them with their efforts.

“This type of incident is not something that our team members and customers should have to experience.

“It’s extremely dangerous and if it continues, we’ll be forced to remove the service from this area after dark in the interests of driver and passenger safety.”

The X20 service connects Durham and Sunderland via Houghton and Rainton Bridge.

Police say the windows of two different buses were smashed while they travelled through the Church Street areas of the town on Monday, February 17, evening.

Northumbria Police is continuing Operation Avalanche to tackle the issues in the town.

A force spokesman said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone found to have been involved can expect a knock on their door.”