TERRIFIED passengers were forced to duck for cover after shots were fired at their bus.

The vehicle came under attack twice on the same evening as it travelled through Southampton.

Several shots from an air weapon were fired at the First Southampton bus which was carrying around 15 people.

The driver called police after the two incidents but a search of the area found nothing.

One passenger, who was travelling on the number 8 which came under attack, told the Echo: "It was a very frightening experience. We all got down from our seats and ducked.

"There was one young woman on the bus with a baby in her arms and she found the whole thing very distressing."

The windscreen of the Southampton to Lordshill bus was chipped during the incident in Coxford Drive, Maybush, but no-one was hurt.

Earlier on in the evening another bus on the same road had a window smashed when a stone was thrown at it.

Other buses were re-routed through Romsey Road for the rest of the night following the trouble.

Community beat Sgt David Daniels said: "We are treating this very seriously simply because of the importance of public safety and the threat of personal injury.

"It's very dangerous because it could distract the bus driver who might then lose control of the vehicle.

"It's unfortunate that buses are a target, particularly for stone throwing or in this case the use of air weapons."

Bob Carter, First Southampton city centre depot manager, said: "If the culprits are caught then we will be pressing for the heaviest penalties.

"We pulled the buses out immediately and re-routed them and we'll be monitoring the situation carefully from now on.

"The driver was very shaken-up and obviously we are very concerned."

Transport and General Workers' Union officer Jennie Sandle said: "It's a terrible thing for drivers to put up with and unfortunately this sort of thing seems to be on the increase."

Police have ruled out any connection between the incident on Wednesday and Sunday night's vicious attack on a newly-engaged couple after brick-throwing yobs ambushed a taxi in nearby Coxford Road.

Anyone with information on the bus attack should ring Shirley police on 0845 045 4545.