A BUS was targeted by a vandal who it is feared may have shot at it with an air rifle.

Police have launched an investigation after a Stagecoach bus driving on Barrow Island was attacked.

Pictures taken at the scene show one of the windows on the bus cracked by what appears to be a pellet hole.

Detectives probing the attack, which has been described by community leaders as 'unbelievable', said a 15-year-old schoolboy suffered minor injuries from a fragment of glass as a result of the damage.

A Stagecoach spokesperson, said: “We are aware that one of our vehicles was subjected to an act of vandalism last night.

“The matter has been reported to the police and we are assisting them with their enquiries.

“The targeting and vandalism of buses is potentially very dangerous and could lead to serious consequences for our drivers and passengers.

“The safety of our drivers and passengers remains our number one priority and we will continue to work with local police to prevent these types of instances.”

The incident occurred when the bus was driving down Island Road on Wednesday at about 8.50pm.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said at this stage it was unclear what had caused the damage to the window, and that investigations are ongoing.

Kevin Hamilton, mayor of Barrow, said: “It’s sick isn’t it, unbelievable.

“It’s not vandalism, it’s highly dangerous, especially if it hit a passenger or the bus driver.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous. Who in their right mind would fire something at a moving vehicle.

“So to the public I would say to be vigilant, and report it if you see anything, as we do not need this in Barrow.”

Allison Johnston, a Barrow Island councillor, said: “For me it is very worrying and I just want the people of Barrow Island to be safe.

“My advice to the public is to be vigilant and keep yourself safe until the police make the arrests they need to make.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.