Salisbury Reds bus damaged in catapult attack on Bemerton Heath

The R1 bus was damaged on Gainsborough Close yesterday evening (Wednesday, November 22) and this will now will lead to an increased police presence in the area in the coming weeks including high visibility and plain clothed police officers. 

Salisbury Reds bus was attacked (Image: Newsquest)Read more: Motorists advised to avoid area after road closed due to burst pipe

The police will invoke their powers under section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014  where necessary which allows officers and PCSOs to disperse groups from an area for up to 48 hours. 

Inspector Tina Osborn said: “Incidents of this nature are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I am fully aware of the community impact that this criminal behaviour is having on others in the local area.

"I and my officers are committed in identifying those responsible and will deal with them appropriately. We will be liaising with our partner agencies such as housing and education providers to ensure that a joint approach is adopted.

"I would like to remind parents that they have a duty to educate their children about the dangers of the use of catapults and other similar weapons and the consequences of using them to cause damage. I would also ask that parents are aware of where their children are and what they are doing when out in the community”

The team will be working closely with housing providers in the area and looking to take tenancy action against parents of those who are identified of being involved in event. 

Salisbury Reds Operations Manager, David Newton, said: “One of our buses sustained damage yesterday, after an object was thrown or shot at one of its windows whilst it was travelling through Bemerton Heath. 

“The safety of our drivers and passengers is our top priority, so we took the decision to put our vehicles on a temporary diversion, avoiding slower sections of the route. 

“We are actively engaged with police to identify the perpetrators of this vandalism, and will pursue the prosecution of those who are found to be responsible.” 

If anyone has CCTV, dash camera footage or any information about the incident, they should call 101 or e-mail salisburyareacpt@wiltshire.police.uk