Police are appealing for witnesses after a passenger was left showered in glass when the bus they were travelling on had its window smashed.

Officers were called to a report of an Arriva bus being targeted as it was driven along Walderslade Road in Chatham shortly after 1.20pm yesterday.

Since the beginning of this month, the force has received a total of 15 reports of similar circumstances, where items have been thrown or aimed at buses in areas including Lordswood and Walderslade.

Medway's district commander, chief inspector Robert Marsh said: "It is only luck that these reckless acts haven’t resulted in someone being seriously injured or worse.

"On top of that, the damage has caused significant financial loss to the bus company and is highly likely to result in significant changes to bus routes or even withdrawal of services altogether."

He added: "Patrols in the area have been increased and the investigation to identify those responsible is well underway.

"I want to reassure the public that we will use the full extent of our powers to ensure the offenders are held to account for their irresponsible and dangerous conduct and brought to justice.

"Acts of criminal damage valued at £5,000 or more can result in a 10-year prison sentence."

Oliver Monahan, Arriva's area managing director for Kent and Surrey, said the safety of its drivers and passengers was its primary concern.

"Should this behaviour continue we will be left with no option but to reluctantly withdraw services in this area in the evenings," he added.

"We encourage people to report unsafe and criminal behaviour like this to the police immediately."

A 14-year-old boy, from Chatham, was arrested on suspicion of attempted criminal damage at around 6.45pm yesterday. He has since been released under investigation.

Anyone with information about any buses being targeted can call police on 01634 792209, quoting reference number 23-0724, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.