VANDALS are putting passengers' lives at risk bus company bosses have warned after a spate of attacks on their vehicles.

Stone-throwing thugs have targeted buses from Blackburn-based Dreamline Travel, smashing vehicle windows as the buses travel through the town's estates.

In the latest attack a brick was hurled through a side window of the 171 service, showering shards of glass over the seats as the bus passed through Mill Hill, Leyburn Road and back to the town centre.

Dreamline director Paul Critchley said it was lucky no-one was seriously hurt.

"Fortunately nobody was on the bus at the time but these thugs don't think of that," said Paul. "A stop before an old lady was sat on that seat and if a brick had hit her she could have been killed. Most of our passengers are OAPs. These thugs should stop before someone is killed."

This recent attack -- which Mr Critchley said is caused by youths -- is the latest in a long line, costing the bus company hundreds of pounds. But Mr Critchley said he was more worried about casualties than costs.

He added: "Glass can be replaced and buses can be repaired. It's injury to a person which is my main concern. What would happen if the driver's window was hit? The bus career off the road."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader and Mill Hill ward councillor Malcolm Doherty condemned the attacks and added: "Perhaps we need to be asking parents to keep more of an eye on their kids. It's very concerning that vandals are endangering both drivers and the passengers.

"Another problem is if this continues we may lose the service which is no help at all to the public."

Peter Broome, duty inspector with Blackburn Police, urged the vandals to stop. "Obviously it is very dangerous for all involved and could result in someone being very seriously hurt or possibly worse," said Mr Broome.