POLICE officers are to monitor part of a Darlington bus route after a number of windows were smashed.

Last week, Arriva North East decided to temporarily halt services into Firthmoor after youths targeted vehicles with stones.

And on Sunday, they faced similar problems on the outskirts of the estate when another bus was attacked with services being re-routed.

Darlington Police have now confirmed that PCSOs will be using the buses in and around Firthmoor to try and identify those responsible for throwing missiles at the bus.

A spokesperson for Darlington Police said: "As a result of recent incidents on Arriva buses around Firthmoor, local PCSOs are using 13a and 13b in and around the estate.

"Please be aware that all PCSOs carry body worn video cameras and will be using them to try and identify the youths responsible for throwing items at the buses.

"If you have any information or can identify the youths responsible, please contact the East Neighbourhood Team in Darlington on 101."

On Saturday, The Northern Echo reported that Arriva North East had stopped buses entering the estate following Thursday night's incident.

Broken windows are understood to cost Arriva more than £1,000 each time to replace.