Arriva have been forced to divert more services after buses were pelted with objects in the Weeds Wood estate.

The bus operators announced on social media yesterday afternoon that bus services would not be entering the estate after services were attacked in Sorrel Road.

They stated: "Due to Missiles being thrown at our buses in weeds wood (Sorrel Road) we are sorry to inform you that we are pulling out all our services which go through the Weeds Wood estate, for the rest of the day. Services affected are 177/176/and 179.

"We do not want to put our staff in harms way. We do apologise for the inconvenience."

The attacks follow a spate of similar incidents which left three buses with smashed windows and prompted police to appeal for information this week.

The first happened in Main Road, Hoo, on Monday, September 27 when a downstairs window on a double decker bus was smashed between 2pm and 2.15pm.

Another incident was reported to have taken place in Lords Wood Lane, Chatham, on Tuesday, October 9 between 7pm and 7.42pm, before a third incident was reported in the same location on Wednesday, October 10 at around 5.42pm.

On Friday, October 12, Arriva announced the 166 Chatham to Lordswood route was being diverted after missiles were repeatedly thrown at buses.

Police Sergeant Stephen Holpin of Medway’s Community Safety Unit said: "Throwing items at a moving vehicle may seem like a bit of fun to some but it is far from it and extremely dangerous.

"These latest incidents have seen bus windows smash and should an object hit a passenger at speed that person could be seriously injured.

"I’d like to appeal to parents in the area to talk to their children and warn them of the dangers of this kind of behaviour. We are working closely with Arriva and anyone identified to be involved will be held accountable.

"I’d encourage anyone with knowledge about these incidents to get in touch with Kent Police so we can carry out enquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police appeals line for Medway on 01634 792209 quoting crime reference number XY/064724/18.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.