POLICE are stepping up patrols in Somerford after bosses at a Bournemouth-based bus company pulled the 1a service from the Somerford estate.

Officers with Dorset Police will begin “enhanced patrols” after it was announced on Tuesday that Yellow Buses are to indefinitely divert one of the services offered.

The decision has been taken over fears that ‘lives are at risk’ after bricks and stones were thrown at the vehicles.

The most recent attack took place on Tuesday morning.

Other services will continue to run on streets around the estate.

Managing director Andrew Smith said it is “only a question of time” before someone is injured following the latest attack, which took place on Tuesday morning.

Sergeant James Offer, of the Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team, called for residents with information to come forward.

“In April and in June 2016 we received a number of reports about stones or bricks having been thrown at busses in the Christchurch area,” he said.

“We are dealing with the issue and a number of measures have been put in place by the local neighbourhood policing team.

“These include enhanced patrols, close liaison with Bournemouth Transport and other agencies.

“Any detected anti-social behaviour has been dealt with using the powers available.

“Anyone who’s witnessed any of the incidents should contact Dorset Police.”

Evening services in Somerford were suspended on April 6 after four separate incidents involving missiles being thrown at buses.

They were reinstated on May 12 after Yellow Buses said it was satisfied with actions taken by the police and local authorities.

However, there have since been two further incidents, and bosses at the company have now taken the decision to divert the 1a indefinitely.

Christchurch MP Chris Chope yesterday criticised Yellow Buses for “punishing” people living in the area.

“It just seems to me that this is a total overreaction,” he said in an interview with the BBC.

“This is very unlike the constituency I know and recognise.”