A BUS was badly damaged in an attack by a gang of stone-throwing youths.

The Stagecoach bus came under attack at 4.20pm on Tuesday, at the junction of Winterbottom Avenue and Myers Avenue in Hartlepool.

A boy stepped in front of the bus to slow it down and it was pelted with stones by a gang. Seven windows were smashed.

There have been a number of similar attacks on moving vehicles this year and some people have been injured.

Detective Sergeant Tony Green, of Hartlepool police, said: "This was a despicable and foolish attack. The potential for very serious injury is obvious and this could have easily been a catalyst for a very serious road accident."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Hartlepool police on (01642) 326326.