BUS drivers have been targeted by yobs armed with raw tomatoes.

A number of Arriva buses in Southend were targeted along the number one and seven routes with one driver injured during the attacks.

During the incidents two drivers were pelted with the red missiles while driving.

Fortunately no passengers were hit or injured.

The first driver was hit at the Queensway roundabout, and the second at White Gate Road, both on Thursday evening.

Arriva is taking the incidents seriously and is gathering information.

The bus company was not able to confirm whether the same gang of youths were responsible for both incidents but this is the assumption given the similarity between the incidents.

The bus firm was able to maintain services as fortunately nobody was seriously hurt and the experienced drivers were able to maintain control of the buses during the attacks.

Arriva is searching through CCTV footage.

Tony Cox, a former councillor for transport, said he was aware of reports and condemned those responsible because, while some may think it funny, pelting buses with items and striking drivers, it risks the buses or other vehicles crashing.

He said: “I have heard of other incidents where people have been throwing items such as stones at moving vehicles, but this is the first time that I am aware of it in Southend.

“I understand why the driver and passengers were shaken by the incident and I really hope that nobody was taken ill due to the scare.

“I also hope hese people have learnt a lesson about this before it sets a dangerous precedent.”

A spokesman for the bus firm said: “On Thursday, June 28 there was an incident in which raw tomatoes were thrown at a number of our buses on the number one and seven services in Southend.

“While we were able to maintain service, two drivers were struck causing them to be withdrawn from service.

“One of our drivers was injured in the incident, however not seriously.

“Thankfully no danger came to passengers on board.

“We’d like to thank customers for bearing with us during the disruption this may have caused.” The incidents follow others involving stones from the roads and concrete from bridges in south Essex.