BUS passengers had a lucky escape after an object was thrown from a footbridge, smashing the windscreen of the vehicle.

The packed vehicle was travelling along Tewkesbury Way at approximately 3.35pm on Monday when the incident occurred.

Luckily no one was injured and the driver was able to bring the single-decker bus under control without crashing.

However, the police are now looking for the culprits after a group of youths was spotted on the footbridge, near Shaw Ridge, as the bus approached.

As the bus went beneath the bridge, an unidentified object was thrown, hitting the windscreen.

The incident caused a long delay for the passengers as the driver had no alternative but to stop driving because his visibility was impaired.

On top of that, services elsewhere on the route from Fleming Way to Middleleaze also backed up.

Thamesdown Transport is now also faced with the cost of repairing the windscreen and the bus is out of service until it is fixed.

A warning has been given to remind people of the dangers involved with throwing items off bridges at moving vehicles, and it was only because of the skill of the driver that no one was seriously hurt or even killed.

Paul Jenkins, managing director of Thamesdown Transport, said: “This could have been a very serious incident, putting lives at risk.

“Fortunately our driver was able to retain control of the vehicle and bring it safely to a stop with no injuries to passengers.

“As a result the worst outcome from Monday’s incident was delays to passengers on the bus, and those waiting further along the route, as well as incurring repair costs and having the vehicle off the road.”

The police have asked for anyone with information to come forward and said they were taking the incident very seriously.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Wiltshire Police have been made aware of yesterday's incident involving objects being thrown from a pedestrian footbridge over Tewkesbury Way in Swindon.

“The consequences of this individual’s or group’s action could be very serious and we will take action against anyone found to be throwing objects at moving vehicles.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101.”