BUS company chiefs have warned that a Bournemouth estate could become a no-go area if attacks on its vehicles don't stop.

Amid fears for the safety of drivers and passengers, Transdev Yellow Buses says services in West Howe could be withdrawn.

PC Rob Hammond, West Howe's Safer Neighbourhood Team manager, revealed how there had been a spate of vandalism incidents during the past fortnight alone.

One bus driver was forced to stop after a fire was started in the vehicle by youths as it travelled along Moore Avenue.

The incident is being treated as arson and police are hunting those responsible.

Another driver halted his vehicle after a side window was smashed and PC Hammond described how a bus stop, at the junction of Moore Avenue and Poole Lane, had been "trashed by troublemakers".

He said: "We have also had incidents recently where stones have been thrown at buses in the same area. Fortunately no damage was caused and no one was hurt.

"As well as putting themselves at risk, these youths are endangering the lives of drivers and passengers."

Dressed in plain clothes, PC Hammond travelled through the estate by bus on Friday night and uniformed officers went out on Saturday night.

He said: "Our main fear is the possible consequences of a bus being targeted by vandals while it is in motion.

"Children in the estate are also playing chicken with buses which is extremely stupid behaviour.

"The perpetrators, who we believe are under 15 years old, could be cautioned or even find themselves up before the courts for criminal damage."

Jenni Wilkinson, head of marketing for Transdev Yellow Buses said: "As the safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount concern we are monitoring the situation closely.

"If necessary, we will withdraw services from the area until we are fully satisfied that there is no further risk to our operations."

It is understood that up to half a dozen Yellow Buses on the estate have had their windows broken since the start of the year.