MINDLESS yobs who are ambushing buses and pelting them with bricks could force the cancellation of a well-used late-night service amid fears for the safety of passengers and drivers.

MINDLESS yobs who are ambushing buses and pelting them with bricks could force the cancellation of a well-used late-night service amid fears for the safety of passengers and drivers.

First Eastern Counties are now in discussion with the police and Suffolk County Council regarding the future of Bury St Edmunds' B3 service following two serious incidents on the Moreton Hall estate, in town, this week.

During the attacks, youths have blocked the path of the bus, forcing it to stop, before bombarding the vehicles with bricks and stones.

Officials from First Eastern Counties, who say their number one priority is the safety of passengers, drivers and other road users, now say the future of the service hangs in the balance.

"There have been two incidents this week involving the B3 service at Moreton Hall," said David Longbottom, traffic superintendent with First Eastern Counties. "Young people on cycles have been causing havoc on the route by stopping in front of the bus, triggering the emergency stop button at the back of the bus and throwing bricks at the bus.

"Police were called to the scene on both accounts, and we are currently waiting for a response from them before we can take this forward.

"We are in contact with both Suffolk County Council and the police with reference to these problems.

"The safety of our passengers and drivers is of number one priority, and unless this mindless vandalism stops we will have to reconsider the withdrawal of this service if and when required on health and safety grounds."

The service has been plagued with problems since Halloween, when youths began throwing empty drinks bottles, stones and eggs at moving buses.

Anyone with information on the vandalism should contact Suffolk Police on 01284 774100.