'MINDLESS' youths who set off fireworks and throw glass bottles at buses during New Year's celebrations have been slammed by a Southampton councillor.

At around 12.20am on January 1, a group of up to 20 young people were seen in the Lidl carpark of Victoria Road setting off fireworks and throwing glass bottles in the carpark.

It was also reported that an object had been thrown at a bus.

Police are appealing for information following the incident and the vandalism has been described as "mindless and inexcusable" by one Woolston councillor.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 12.18am on Saturday 1 January to a report of a group of around 10-12 young people in the car park of Lidl in Victoria Road, Southampton.

"The group were reportedly setting off fireworks and throwing glass bottles in the car park.

"It was also reported that an object had been thrown at a bus.

"Anyone who witnessed anything or has any information that may help us identify those involved should contact us on 101 quoting 44220000034.

"Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Christopher Hammond, Labour Councillor for Woolston, told the Daly Echo: “After coming through another difficult year, we all wanted a good celebration on New Years Eve.

"Sadly this mindless vandalism disrupted the community and make people feel less safe.

"I am glad that the police will be investigating this inexcusable behaviour and urge anyone who has information on the people involved to come forward.

"The police do a great job, but after a decade of cuts there’s less of them to attend crimes like these and investigate them afterwards.

"It’s only then will we get the policing our communities deserve. ”

Cllr Warwick Payne said: “Fireworks are not toys and can be very dangerous in the wrong hands.

“Woolston is generally a safe place to live but if we experience any incidents where police are conducting inquiries then I would always urge residents with information to step forward and provide assistance.

“In this specific case there might have been residents in Brecon House who saw what was going on, as their apartment block is directly opposite Lidl’s car park where the reported incident took place.”

The incident comes after police upped patrols at antisocial behaviour hotspots in the city for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

The additional patrols were seen in antisocial behaviour "hotspots" across the city including Millbrook and Maybush.