POLICE insist they are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour issues in a Poole neighbourhood after buses were once again targeted by youths.

The window of a Morebus service was damaged by a stone, believed to come from a teenager using a catapult, in Turlin Road on Monday evening.

This came after incidents in Turlin Moor last week, which involved groups of “feral” youths threatening bus drivers and throwing eggs thrown at their vehicles.

Morebus once again stopped serving the area on Monday evening after the criminal damage incident.

Neighbourhood Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Poole police, said: “We recognise there has been a number of previous incidents of anti-social behaviour in this area in recent days and we continue to work with the bus company to do all we can to tackle this issue.

"This will include increase patrols in the area.

“Poole police is committed to doing all we can to address issues of anti-social behaviour and where we can identify those responsible we will ensure appropriate action is taken against them.

"We will work with our partners to consider joint action, using anti-social behaviour legislation or the Juvenile Referral Scheme.”

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “We are working with Dorset Police and Morebus to identify individuals involved and put appropriate measures in place to safeguard passengers and local residents.

"Additional officers across agencies will be deployed to the locality to provide a visible presence and engage with residents and young people.

"Enforcement action will be considered where applicable for any criminal matters with the council’s antisocial behaviour (ASB) team working closely with Dorset Police to identify appropriate ASB enforcement where necessary.”

Police said officers attended Turlin Road after the incident at 7.10pm on Monday.

They carried out searches of the area but the offender was not be located.

Enquiries, including using CCTV, are ongoing. Anyone would information should contact the force on 101, quoting quoting incident number 28:321.

Contact PC McSorley from the local neighbourhood policing team via dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.