VANDALS are believed to have catapulted missiles at a bus which smashed the window as it turned a corner.

The Blackburn Borough Transport-owned bus was travelling along Hazel Avenue, Darwen close to its junction with Higher Perry Street when it came under attack.

One of the nearside windows was smashed by the missile. No-one was hurt in the incident, believed to have happened at about 4.15pm on Saturday. It was not reported until the driver reached the depot in Intack Road, Blackburn at about 5pm.

Det Sgt Neil Hunter of Darwen CID said: "This was a dangerous offence which could have resulted in serious injury. The missile was travelling very fast when it hit the bus and if anyone had been sat next to the window, they would have been badly hurt.

"Because the driver decided to carry on rather than report the incident straight away, no-one was at the scene when our officers arrived.

"Whoever carried out this mindless act of vandalism stands a high chance of hurting someone, possibly seriously.

"Luckily on this occasion no-one was hurt."

A spokesman for Blackburn Borough Transport said: "I am aware of the incident but have not had time to investigate it fully. We have a big problem with vandalism on buses but if a driver is fired at, the incident is treated extremely seriously.

"Luckily, it appears no-one was injured but this could have had very serious consequences for the driver or passengers."

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact Darwen Police on 01254 701777.