FOLLOWING a series of incidents of missile-throwing at local buses, and the threat that evening services may be permanently cancelled in some parts of the borough, police have announced they are going to out officers on some routes.

Ensign Buses have been particularly badly hit and last week the Purfleet-based company warned that 'one more incident' would see services pulled.

Bus windows have been smashed by young people in West Thurrock and Tilbury in recent weeks.

A statement from police in Thurrock says: "Our community policing team have set up an operation to tackle a series of incidents whereby objects have been thrown at moving buses throughout the Thurrock district, with some causing significant damage such as broken glass windows.

"You will see our officers on the affected bus routes in both full uniform and plain clothes with marked and unmarked vehicles following nearby.

"This allows us to be ready to act should further incidents occur.

"We hope this provides some reassurance to everyone who uses buses and will make anyone considering causing damage to think twice about their actions."