A BUS driver could have been killed after a brick hurled through the windscreen struck him on the head, police have claimed.

Yobs threw the missile from a footbridge over Gooseberry Lane, as the busway passes through Windmill Hill.

The driver was shaken but escaped unhurt, along with three passengers.

Arriva has temporarily suspended the 20a night service, saying they are not prepared to put employees or customers at risk.

The incident happened at 8.50pm.

PC Steve Simpson, Halton's dedicated travel safe officer, said: "This is a particularly dangerous incident. A driver has very nearly been killed.

"It was a very heavy high density brick, potentially a lethal weapon. If it had hit him directly, he would have been dead.

"We suspect it came through the destination panel, through a linen panel and bounced on the perspex side before hitting him on the head. We were very lucky this time, next time we may not be so lucky.

"The driver saw figures on the bridge. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously. I am keen to try and catch these youths."

PC Simpson and community warden Cat Stock will continue to patrol bus routes on foot, in vehicles and on buses.

An Arriva spokeswoman, said: "It's very fortunate the driver only had minor injuries. We always seek to prosecute and we would ask people to support the police appeal for information.

"We just won't tolerate this kind of thing. The sooner the culprit is caught, the sooner we have people's confidence and the bus can run again." Anyone with information can contact PC Steve Simpson on 01244-614902.