No evening bus services in Edinburgh after attacks

Lothian Buses has suspended all evening services following months of antisocial behaviour in Edinburgh.

All services on Lothian Buses, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses will not operate from 7.30pm on Wednesday night.

However, NightBus services will continue as normal.

A number of buses were targeted by vandals on Monday evening, with large stones thrown at their windows.

The police warned such incidents could lead to “serious injury or even death”.

Officers have charged 18 people in connection with alleged antisocial behaviour through Operation Proust.

The services are expected to return as scheduled on Thursday but will be kept under review with buses diverted away from any area targeted by further attacks.

Sarah Boyd, Lothian Buses’ operations director, said: “It is with pride that Lothian serves at the heart of our local communities and after the challenges of the last year it’s frankly appalling that the actions of a few can directly impact on so many.

“However, driver and customer safety is our absolute priority and so it is with deep regret that we have to take this action.

“We understand that we provide a critical service for key workers and those for whom travel is essential and we can only apologise to these customers who we know will be inconvenienced by this decision.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Police Scotland for all their efforts in helping us to maintain service this far.

“I would also like to thank our customers and all of our colleagues for their continued support and patience.

“We would urge anyone with any information relating to these incidents to come forward to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Lyn Turner, Unite regional industrial officer, said members have the right to “work without fear”.

She added: “We stand by Lothian’s decision to withdraw services from areas in which they cannot operate safely. The safety of our members is paramount.

“We would urge communities to come together and provide information on those responsible for these dangerous acts of criminal behaviour which are putting the safety of our members and that of the public at serious risk.”