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Night of terror sees Arriva buses in Medway and Gravesend trick-or-treaters come under attack from missile throwing youths

Bus windows were shattered and trick or treaters attacked with fireworks in a night of Halloween havoc across Medway and Gravesend .

People were urged to stay-at-home to celebrate on Saturday in response to the pandemic but police instead faced a slew of vandalism reports attributed to youths.

An Arriva bus service in Strood was targeted in a night of vandalism
An Arriva bus service in Strood was targeted in a night of vandalism

Patrols first responded to an incident of a group found egging cars in Knights Road, Strood before dishing out advice.

But then antics escalated around 7.30pm as a bus load of passengers on an Arriva service travelling through Strood High Street reported missiles being thrown at the vehicle near St Nicholas Church.

Later a second bus, a service 190 heading to Gravesend was also said to be targeted.

No passengers or staff were injured in the attacks but the vehicles were both damaged with smashed windows.

Simon Finnie, area managing director for Arriva said: "I can confirm two separate incidents in Strood where missiles are alleged to have been thrown at service buses.

Eggs were reportedly thrown at cars and buses during the incident (42995515)
Eggs were reportedly thrown at cars and buses during the incident (42995515)

"Passenger and staff safety is of the utmost importance to us and we are supporting the local police with their investigation.”

Earlier that evening police were called to Cecil Road in Gravesend following reports of fireworks being thrown at three people by a group of youths.

One of the victims, who had been out with trick or treating with some friends, said the incident had left her "traumatised".

She said: "We was five houses in and we was just walking out of Cecil Road into Old Road West when we was attacked by a group of about 16 youths between the ages of 15-19 years old.

"They started to throw eggs at us and then launched two fireworks at us and if we was two feet in front of where we was we would have been seriously injured."

The bus was reportedly attacked while passengers were still on board
The bus was reportedly attacked while passengers were still on board

The victim, who did not wish to be named, said she contacted police straight away who advised them to flee the area.

She added the missiles narrowly avoided two small children out trick or treating as it landed on a nearby house.

"I'm a still traumatised by the whole thing," she said. "It has emotionally and mentally scarred me and my friends – this should never happen to anyone."

The suspects, who were also said to be throwing eggs, had left the area prior to the police arriving.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

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