Lothian bus driver injured after youth smashes vehicle's front window

A bus driver in Edinburgh has been injured after a boy smashed the front window of a number 49 service.
Lothian buses travelling through Edinburgh city centre picture: JPI MediaLothian buses travelling through Edinburgh city centre picture: JPI Media
Lothian buses travelling through Edinburgh city centre picture: JPI Media

Shards of glass covered the Lothian driver, who was travelling in a Lothian bus in the Niddrie area, near the Jack Cane Centre, at about 8pm on Tuesday.

The boy who threw the item is believed to be between the age of 14 to 16 years old, 5ft6in and was wearing a dark coloured hoodie and light coloured jogging bottoms at the time of the incident.

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He was accompanied by another boy and a girl during the attack.

Officers are reviewing CCTV footage in the area and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Chief Inspector Murray Tait of Leith Police Station said: “We are appealing to the public to assist us with our enquiries into this incident. Thankfully the bus driver wasn’t more severely injured, however the outcome could have been far more serious.

“We are reviewing CCTV footage and exploring all avenues to identify the group of youths, and would also ask that anyone who might have been driving in the area at that time recording via dash-cam to contact us.

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“We’re experiencing escalating issues across Edinburgh with buses being targeted by youths and this incident illustrates how serious the consequences of their actions can be. Bus drivers and staff provide a crucial public service, particularly just now, and for them to be targeted in this way is unacceptable."

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 3102 of 2 March. “

The attack comes as Operation Proust has been set up following an increase in antisocial behaviour on and around buses in Edinburgh, during which a number of buses have been damaged.

The joint operation between Police Scotland and Lothian Buses aims to educate young people, identify those responsible for the vandalism and to keep staff and passengers safe by tackling disorder and antisocial behaviour.

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A police spokesman added: “If you have any information about damage being caused to buses, contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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