FIRST buses were forced to divert their route through parts of Bradford tonight after vandal attacks.

Metro Travel News said: "Due to several acts of vandalism in the Wakefield Road area, First West Yorks services 617 and 618 forced to divert.

"Diversion via Wakefield Road, Bowling Back Lane, Sticker Lane and Fern Street, both ways."

The company said the 621 service was also diverting Wakefield Road, Bowling Back Lane and Rooley Lane in both directions until the end of the service.

In November the Telegraph & Argus highlighted how the First bus firm was being targeted and putting people at risk.

One driver said his but was one of six that had been attacked by yobs throwing bricks and stones in Mayo Avenue and Manchester Road.

At the time of the attacks West Yorkshire Police said: "We are working together with First West Yorkshire and Metro (West Yorkshire Combined Authority), along with a range of other partners to ensure this is a short lived issue and offenders identified are brought to justice.

“Over the coming weekend officers will be paying particular attention to the bus network across West Yorkshire with a series of multi-agency operations focussed on the areas most affected.We are confident that this will have a positive impact on damage and anti-social behaviour across the network.”

In November the previous year, the Keighley Bus Company’s 845 service had to be re-routed on its route through Wibsey, due to eight instances of people throwing missiles at buses in the village in just two weeks.