A LOCAL bus service was suspended today because of the anti-social behaviour of a number of young people.

Ensign Buses pulled the plug on the 22 Bus service which links Aveley, South Ockendon, and Grays.

Shortly after 5pm on Friday, 10 January, the company announced that the full service was being suspended temporarily because of problems in Aveley.

A social media message said: "Due to irresponsible children trying to damage and interfere with our vehicles when on stand we are presently not serving Usk Road.

"Passengers requiring services to Lakeside and beyond will unfortunatley have to walk to Shannon Way and get the bus from there."

Ensign customer services manager Paul Dickson confirmed the problem, saying: "A group of youths who have been noted causing issues in that area before were messing about with the outside of our buses and also getting on and trying to cause damage to the inside of our route 22 buses at Usk Road.

"When challenged by our drivers they became abusive and non-co-operative."