The Gills have condemned the actions of "mindless idiots" who hurled rocks at visiting players and supporters' buses after the cup game against Colchester.

The League One club's first team coach and the official fans' coach were targeted by yobs outside Priestfield Stadium following the Carling Cup tie on Tuesday night.

The visiting fans' bus had just left the away supporters' parking area in Railway Street when it came under fire.

It was hit by a large rock and the side window was shattered.

Jeanette Westlake, the travel secretary for Colchester Supporters' Club, was on the bus at the time.

She said: "We had just set off when we saw four lads approaching the bus. The next thing we knew, there was a loud crack and the window was completely shattered. The driver pulled over immediately but the lads disappeared quickly.

"Fortunately the coach window was double-glazed, and had only shattered on the outside. I don't know what would have happened if it hadn't have been; someone could have been seriously hurt. It was very worrying and very scary. Everyone was shaken up.

"We found the rock that had been thrown - it was a three inch lump of concrete. It is a shame people act this way and don't think what injuries they could cause."

The players' bus, which was parked at the ground, suffered a similar fate a few minutes earlier.

A large rock was thrown at the window as players began boarding the bus in the parking area at Priestfield. The window was shattered but no one was hurt.

A spokesman for Colchester FC confirmed the incidents.

He said: "The supporters' and first team's buses were attacked by rocks outside the ground on Tuesday night. Both had side windows damaged. There were no injuries."

A spokesman for Gillingham FC said: "Gillingham Football Club condemns the actions of these mindless idiots.

"Our supporters have an exemplary reputation throughout the Football League and we will be taking steps to ensure these incidents are not repeated."

Kent Police is investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage. Anyone with information can contact 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.