CHILDREN travelling on a school bus avoided serious injury after a bottle was thrown at the windscreen causing it to smash.

The bus, belonging to company A and M Travel based in Blaenavon, was travelling along the A598 between Abergavenny and Llanarth at 3.49pm on July 8 when a 17-year-old travelling in a nearby car hurled a bottle at the windscreen.

Serious injury was averted as the quick-thinking bus driver remained in control of the vehicle bringing it to a standstill on the side of the road.

The children were safely removed from the vehicle and waited on the grass verge until another bus picked them up.

Lucky no one was injured, however, had the driver lost control of the bus police fear it could have been more serious.

Monmouth MP David Davies, who has been a special constable with the British Transport Police for more than a year, said he was outraged at the incident.

He said, "This is an incredible dangerous and stupid thing to do. The person responsible should face serious charges and a lengthy sentence. There is a serious risk that throwing missiles at moving vehicles could result in a serious accident or even a fatality. A serious message should be sent out to everyone who thinks that this kind of thing is funny."

Mayor of Abergavenny, councillor John Prosser said, "I am glad that serious injury was avoided on this occasion but this action could have led to very serious consequences. Needless action of this nature should not be tolerated. Senseless behaviour of this type is not acceptable in our community and I hope that lessons will be learned. Everyone should have a sense of duty to their community and youngsters who do this sort of thing should take note that they will be dealt with."

Abergavenny Crime and Reduction Officer PC Andy Charles warned, "On this occasion the driver and the passengers of this vehicle were lucky serious injury was avoided.

"I can't emphasis the potential serious nature of this incident this sort of wreckless behaviour must not be tolerated by our communities."

Councillor Jane Foulser said she was disturbed when she heard about the incident and said a strong message needed to be sent out to youths who think throwing items at moving vehicles is fun.

She said this incident was a stark warning, "I would be terribly worried if it was my child on the bus - it's something parents always dread. Surely there has got to be something that can be done about it or anything like it happening again."

A and M Travel confirmed that one of their buses was involved but didn't wish to comment.