BUS drivers say they are increasingly being the targets of attacks by gangs of yobs at Bradford Interchange.

In one incident this week, one Arriva driver was assaulted as a cash bag was grabbed, said one staff member.

Emergency meetings have now been called between the bus drivers’ union and the bus companies to try to resolve the issues.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which runs the bus and rail station, said it was working with police to step up security to protect staff and passengers.

But one driver, who asked not to be named, said the situation was escalating, leaving some staff fearful of doing their jobs.

“It’s getting out of hand. Nobody is doing anything about it,” he said.

“Drivers are considering leaving and getting other jobs, it’s getting that bad. You daren’t look around the corner.”

Another said: “It has been going on for about eight weeks - it’s gradually got worse and worse.

“The police don’t seem to be doing anything. It’s like they are untouchable. Somebody will end up getting seriously injured - an innocent person.

“It’s got out of hand - I don’t even want to go to work. There needs to be a more visible presence in there, they need to do something about them.

“Grown men are frightened of being confronted. There are men, that are very large men, who have been attacked.

“They are like animals. It has never been this bad, it’s like going into The Bronx.”

Another bus driver, who did not want to be named, said: “A tougher stance needs to be taken before it escalates. Something bad will happen.”

While most of the incidents have taken place at the Interchange, drivers said some have happened on the bus routes.

Phil Bown, regional officer with union Unite, said a multi-agency meeting was in the process of being arranged to “try to plan a way forward”.

A West Yorkshire Combined Authority spokesman said: “We have been working closely with West Yorkshire Police and have issued banning notices on a number of individuals.

“We are also increasing the presence of PCSO and security staff at the Interchange and are focussing our CCTV monitoring to gather evidence and gain early warning of any incidents.

“The Combined Authority will also be meeting with city centre management, retailers and the police to develop a concerted strategy to address the current problems, address customers’ concerns about these isolated acts and deter the perpetrators.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the force was aware of the issue and that officers in the City Neighbourhood Policing Team were working closely with the management and security team at the Interchange to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.

The spokesman said: “In recent weeks we have taken positive action against two individuals who spat at a bus driver and will continue to take robust action against those committing crime and anti-social behaviour in the Interchange and city centre.

“Officers from the team regularly patrol the area in and around the Interchange to reassure the staff and public and to deter those intent on causing issue from doing so.

“We would always encourage people to report incidents so we can take appropriate action.”

Oliver Howarth, First Bradford operations director, added: “The safety of our staff is of the highest importance and we are not taking these incidents lightly.

“The incidents have mainly been related to anti-social behaviour and attempted theft as opposed to physical attacks on our drivers, but our staff do a fantastic job for the business and they deserve respect from members of the public.

“In light of recent incidents and as a precautionary measure, we are working with the police, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the union to implement further safety measures for our staff.”

Jon Croxford, area managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “We are aware of the incident earlier in the week in Bradford.

“Our driver is receiving our full support.”