Police hunt vandals after series of broken bus windows in Sunderland

Since February 22, there have been six incidents reported to police and officers are appealing for help from the public to find those responsible.

The latest incident happened on Thursday, March 17, between 9pm and 9.25pm, when a single decker bus was driving along Hyltoncastle Road/Castle View. Something was thrown at a bus window causing it to smash. No one was injured but there were passengers on board who were upset by the incident.

Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Carty said: “We take these types of incidents very seriously and officers are investigating to find those responsible.

“It is purely good fortune that no one has been injured as a result of these incidents. But we are concerned that if this behaviour continues it could easily lead to people being hurt.

“We want to make it clear that when we catch those responsible they will face a criminal record. This sort of reckless behaviour is extremely dangerous and could easily have resulted in serious injury to the passengers, driver and other road users.

“Extra patrols will be carried out in the affected areas to reassure people and prevent further incidents. If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour please report it to us straight away.”

The other recent similar incidents involving criminal damage to bus windows are:

• Sunday, February 14, at 9pm at Herrington Burn in Houghton

• Friday, February 19, around 10pm at the Bus Station Interchange Centre, Gateshead

• Saturday, February 20, around 3pm on Manor Road, Sulgrave in Washington

• Tuesday, March 1 at 7pm on Marlborough Road, Sulgrave in Washington and

• Sunday, March 6 at around 7pm on Lanchester Avenue in Gateshead.

Anyone with any information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1080 17/03/16 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.