BUS services to a troubled York estate will not resume today as police continue to investigate the third attack in as many days on a vehicle by thoughtless hooligans.

A First double decker bus driver called police yesterday when four teenagers, two girls and two boys, threw stones at his vehicle in Danebury Drive, Acomb.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press, bus bosses have re-routed a service after two attacks in Bramham Avenue and Barkston Road earlier this week.

Bus bosses have asked residents to help them trace the thugs behind the incidents which saw a rock and a metal wrench hurled through passenger windows.

The Evening Press has learned that at least one name has been given to police.

Peter Edwards, First operations manager, said talks had begun with local representatives about returning services, but it would not happen until he can ensure the safety of passengers and drivers.

He said: "I am anxious to get the service running through the estate again and hopefully we will be able to do so in the next few days. It is a shame that this kind of low-grade thuggery affects so many people."

Tracey Simpson-Laing, Acomb ward councillor, said she had held talks with managers at First to see how the service could be resumed.

She said: "We want to make sure that the buses are safe, but we also need to get back the excellent service that the company provides for elderly people and those without their own transport."

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said four teenagers were reported for throwing stones at a bus in Danebury Drive at 4pm yesterday. No one was hurt and the bus was not damaged.

Updated: 10:51 Thursday, May 13, 2004