10:12pm Friday 28th November 2008
By Kathie Griffiths
A police hunt is on to find the pupils who let off the handbrake of a broken-down school bus which rolled down a hill, demolishing a garden wall.
The incident happened when the driver had to leave the bus transporting pupils home from Nab Wood School, Cottingley, to find a telephone box to report the break-down.
Bosses at bus company First and police are examining CCTV footage from the vehicle to try to identify the culprits. Khadim Hussain, operations director at First in Bradford, said it was fortunate no-one was in front of or behind the bus when it rolled down Bingley Road, Cottingley.
A wall was crushed when it came to rest in the garden of a house.
Mr Hussain said: “Luckily no-one was hurt, they could have been run over. In Bradford we operate approximately 60 school journeys on a daily basis without incident.
“This is a very rare occurrence but one we are taking very seriously as safety of our passengers is the number one priority for me and my staff.”
He warned once the culprits were tracked down they would face possible criminal damage charges.
As well as examining the footage taken from concealed cameras as small as the nib of a pen on the bus, the driver is helping out with the investigation.
First is also reviewing procedures to try to ensure this type of incident does not happen again, said Mr Hussain.
Kevin Beach, deputy head teacher at Nab Wood School, confirmed the school was working closely with the police and First to bring the matter to a conclusion.
He said: “The school takes such matters very seriously. We are investigating thoroughly and we will take robust action in line with normal school procedures.
“As this matter is being dealt with by the police it would be inappropriate to comment further.
Anyone with information about the incident at 4.20pm on Wednesday should contact Police on 0845 60 60 606.
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