MASKED gangs of youths launched "highly-organised" attacks and threw rocks at buses on a Southampton estate.

Bus operator First Southampton is threatening to pull out of Millbrook estate after five of its vehicles were targeted by youngsters on bikes.

Windows were smashed by a group of youths – all wearing hoodies pulled tight to hide their faces.

Some of the cyclists rode in front of each bus, forcing it to slow down, making it an easier target for the other yobs.

The vehicles came under fire last weekend in a series of attacks that left the passengers and drivers shaken but unhurt.

Now First Southampton is warning that the popular CR2 service, which runs from the city centre to Redbridge Hill, via Shirley and Millbrook, will be withdrawn from the estate if the vandals strike again.

The estate is also served by Bluestar which says it might avoid the area too if its vehicles come under attack.

Two years ago Bluestar was forced to pull out of another Southampton route after four of its vehicles were damaged in an hour.

Three Bluestar buses suffered smashed windows as they travelled along Hinkler Road, Thornhill, and a Number 3 service run by First Hampshire was also hit.

The attacks resulted in drivers on the Number 18 Bluestar service from Millbrook to Thornhill being told to avoid Hinkler Road.

Following the Millbrook incidents First Southampton is liaising with Hampshire Police and city councillors.

A company spokesman said: “The buses were targeted by groups of 10 to 12 youths who were all wearing dark grey hoodies with the draw string pulled very tight to obscure their faces.

“They rode in front of each bus, slowing it right down and making it an easier target.

“We want to keep operating in the area but the safety of our drivers, vehicles and passengers is our first priority.

"We will feel compelled to withdraw from the estate if there are any further incidents.”

The attacks took place in the Kendal Avenue area on September 16, 17 and 19, with each bus being damaged between 4.25pm and midnight.

The people on board were dropped off at their normal stop but no new passengers were allowed on board the damaged vehicles, which were taken out of service and repaired.

The work is thought to have cost at least £1,750.

In a message posted on social media First Southampton says any further incidents will result in CR2 buses avoiding the area for the safety of passengers and staff.

A Bluestar spokesman said none of its vehicles had been vandalised on the estate.

But she added: “The safety of our drivers and customers is our top priority and will be monitoring the situation very closely.

"If we are given cause for concern we will assess the situation again.

"But many local residents rely on the services we provide and will withdraw operations only if absolutely necessary.”

A police spokesman said officers were investigating several reports of criminal damage involving the buses First Southampton buses in the Millbrook area.