BUS drivers today spoke out of their concerns over safety after a colleague was attacked by two youths.

The 34-year-old bus driver, who is said to be stable in Blackburn Royal Infirmary, was knocked unconscious and slashed on the top of his arm with a blade by two 16-year-olds.

They got on his bus while he drove along his route to Rothesay Road, in Shadsworth, on Monday night.

Police confirmed it was the eighth report of assault on a bus driver in 12 months in Eastern Division, which covers Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, but is the first robbery of its kind.

Today, fellow drivers from Blackburn Transport spoke of their vulnerability and said they were like sitting ducks.

One 30-year-old driver on the Clitheroe route, who declined to be named, said: "We are sitting ducks really because if someone wants to cause trouble there is nowhere for us to go. We have no protection or cages.

"We are advised not to take anyone on board who we think could cause trouble, but it is not always easy to tell."

A second driver, 35, on the Revidge route, who also declined to be named, said: "It definitely depends which route you are on, but sometimes it is a bit scary. I do feel sorry for the female drivers more than anything.

"I always take my float in as often as possible so there is very little that anyone could take.

"I am sure some people want to cause trouble just for the sake of it."

A spokesperson for Blackburn Police said: "Thankfully, this is a fairly isolated incident, but we would never take an attack of this nature lightly.

"Any job where you are in the front line dealing with the public has a certain element of risk involved because people tend to take their frustrations out on you."

During the attack, which occurred at 10.50pm, youths are said to have made off with a small amount of money. There was no one else on board the bus at the time.

The inquiry, being led by Inspector Mark Laraway, will involve a full forensic examination of the bus.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with more information should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212.