Ayr coach firm change school bus route after brick attack 'put lives at risk'

A travel firm has said the attack on their school bus put lives at risk after a brick was launched by yobs.

Furious bosses at Keenans of Ayr have promised to change their route after secondary pupils were left in shock following a targeted attack on their journey home.

The bus which was heading from Ayr Academy to villages passed by Kyle Academy when it was ambushed by a group who lobbed several objects on Friday at around 3.45pm.

After one near miss, a final blow of half a brick struck the windscreen causing a loud bang on Holmston Road.

Jamie Keenan, owner of the bus firm which has held contracts in Ayr for 40 years, says the incident left pupils and the driver frightened.

The owner has now vowed to avoid Holmston Road after hearing of other reports that objects have been flung at buses in recent weeks.

A brick was launched at the bus as it made its way through Ayr (Submitted/Ayrshire Post)

It comes as police launch a probe as they try to identify the yobs responsible with campus cops also involved.

Officers have also spoken to the shaken driver.

Jamie, 64, said: “Our priority is always to keep our drivers and pupils safe.

“It was a half brick that hit the windscreen.

“Something was thrown and it landed on the road in front of him, straight after that the half brick was thrown at the windscreen and that is what caused the damage.

“Thankfully the driver was braced for it coming but if that was to break through the glass it could have been fatal or caused serious injuries.

"There is no doubt this could have been a lot worse, fortunately the driver did get some sort of warning that it was about to happen."

As of this week, Keenans have made the decision to take a different route.

Jamie added: "We spoke about it this morning [Monday] about changing the route.

"We would hope if someone is responsible for this and is brought to some kind of justice it would be a warning to others.

"Until then we will do everything we can to protect our drivers and pupils."

Ayrshire Live told last week how pupils had been under attack on their bus for weeks.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "About 3.10pm on Friday, May 7, police received a report of a brick thrown at a school bus travelling along Holmston Road Ayr.

"There were no injuries and enquires into this incident are ongoing."

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: "We are aware of the incident and we are in contact with the police."

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