A BUS driver was left badly bruised and in shock after a vicious attack by a gang of youths.

The teenagers set upon the driver in Otley Bus Station after one of their friends was in collision with the double-decker bus.

Now bosses at First Leeds are saying they are deeply concerned about 'gang warfare' in the station late at night. And they say they will not hesitate to press charges.

The youths had apparently been causing trouble in the station late on Friday night.

One allegedly started kicking out at the bus and was then knocked down as it reversed back into Crossgate.

His friends then jumped on the First Leeds bus and repeatedly punched the driver in the face.

The driver, in his late 30's, who has not been named, was rescued by work colleagues who came out from Leeds and taken to hospital where he was treated for severe bruising and shock.

The youth, who has also not been named, was also taken to hospital with a leg injury.

Now, bosses at First Leeds say they are deeply concerned about repeated trouble at the bus station and are calling for more police presence.

A spokesman for First Leeds said the driver was off work and not expected to return until next week.

"There was an incident between some youths in the bus

station.

"One of the youths fell near to the bus and was allegedly hit by the bus as it reversed to leave the station.

"As a result of this the rest of the youths went onto the bus and set on the driver. He was punched in the face and severely bruised.

"He was very shaken by the attack and is now off work. The youths who did the attacking then fled the scene."

"We are asking people who see any incidents like this to report them to ourselves or to the police.

"We are concerned about problems caused by behaviour of youths at the bus station although we have never had anything as serious as this before. This is gang warfare when they pick on a driver like this.

"I don't know what the answer is. Whether more police presence is needed or whether this was a one off thing."

Closed circuit television cameras were installed by Metro in the bus station earlier this year.

There is also a panic button connected directly to the CCTV headquarters in Leeds to report trouble at the station.

A spokesman for Metro said the incident would have been recorded on camera if it had happened where the buses park.

He added Metro had not been contacted by either the bus company or the police but would pass over the tapes if asked.

"We try to provide some security for our passengers. We do have the place covered with CCTV and there is a panic button that will connect directly with Leeds."

Councillor Graham Kirkland said the bus station seemed to be a difficult area.

"I've every sympathy for the person injured by the bus, but taking the law into your own hands like this and beating the bus driver up like this is unforgivable.

"Their first concern should have been for their friend," he added.

"The problem here is that if this sort of thing goes on that bus drivers could refuse to work."

Police at Otley confirmed they were investigating the

incident.

A spokeswoman said: "We are investigating an allegation of assault on a bus driver between 10.45pm and 11.30pm on Friday night.

"We are also investigation outbreaks of disorder that

happened at the same time."

l Anyone who saw the incident is asked to telephone PC Simon Heathcote at Otley Police Station on (01943) 858071.