THE culprits responsible for smashing the windows of a Salisbury bus should be aware their "reckless and dangerous" actions could have posed a "potential danger to life", according to a Salisbury city councillor.

Caroline Corbin said she was "saddened" by "deliberate attempts" to "cause damage to buses and cars on Bemerton Heath".

The Bemerton councillor feels parents may be unaware of young people going out to "let off steam".

At around 7pm on Monday evening, Salisbury Reds tweeted to say that its R1 service - which goes from Salisbury District Hospital to Bemerton Heath via Salisbury city centre - had been targeted in the Saint Michaels Road area, with "windows being smashed by objects thrown at the vehicle".

The decision was then taken to divert from this road, meaning it was unable to serve Herbert Road and Tournament Road that night.

Police have been contacted by the bus company.

'Potential danger to life'

Cllr Corbin said the damage to the bus could be part of a concerning pattern of behaviour.

She added: "While recognising that the lockdown has caused significant stress for all ages, we cannot allow this to be an excuse for reckless and dangerous behaviour.

"Even sadder is the fact some parents will be unaware that their children do these things when out with their mates as a way to let off steam."

Cllr Corbin went on to say that she has contacted the community police team about various issues recently, but would urge parents to "talk frankly with their kids of the potential danger to life that these incidents cause".

No injuries

Salisbury Reds confirmed on Tuesday that no one was injured as a result of the incident.

Richard Gagg, Salisbury Reds operations manager, told the Journal: "I can confirm there were incidents where items were thrown at R1 buses.

“No injuries were reported but the safety of our drivers and passengers is our top priority and, in anticipation of further incidents, we took the decision to stop buses serving that route during the evening (of April 13).

“We have reported these events to the police and are working closely with the authorities as they carry out their investigations - including the review of CCTV footage."

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