A bus operator has threatened to cut services to a Southampton estate following a second wave of vandalism targetting buses serving NHS keyworkers.

Bluestar was forced to cancel a service on Sunday after it was targeted near to the Saints Pub on Kendal Avenue in Millbrook.

The operator tweeted on Sunday: “Due to yet more counts of vandalism in Millbrook, the 17:32 [number] 7 service will not be running. Our replacement bus will continue service from Central Station at 18:05 towards Sholing.”

The incident follows similar attacks on the same road on Thursday evening between 5:30-8pm.

Bluestar sought police assistance after its number 18 vehicles were targeted by “several youths who were armed with stones.”

Four buses were put out of service in the first attack, with a First City Red bus also receiving damage.

The number 18 bus connects Millbrook with University Hospital Southampton, raising concerns about the effects of the vandalism on keyworkers.

Mark Lovell, Interim Operations Manager at City Red said: “We welcome the involvement from Hampshire Constabulary with police travelling on our services through Millbrook Estate to deter our buses being attacked and vandalised.

“It is really beyond comprehension that youth are breaking lockdown restrictions to vandalise our buses at a critical time in the pandemic when our primary role is to provide transport to key workers including NHS staff who save lives as well as other passengers who are required to work.”

He added: “We will monitor the situation closely and have no choice to withdraw services from the Estate if the situation doesn’t improve.”

Anyone with information is advised to contact police on 101.