BUSES could be banned from routes through St Paul's Cray because yobs are putting drivers' and passengers' lives at risk.

In 14 separate attacks in the past month, concrete slabs and rocks have been hurled through cab and passenger windows.

Two drivers from R1 and R11 services are off sick with stress after the most recent incidents.

One, who is pregnant, is "deeply distressed" after a rock was thrown at her window. She was unhurt. In another incident, a driver was hit on the arm by a lump of concrete which smashed his cab window.

Bosses at First Buses, which runs the routes, have joined forces with union representatives to condemn the attacks.

Business manager Ken Fennell says he will not hesitate in withdrawing services if the attacks continue.

He added: "I am very, very concerned about the safety of my staff and the passengers.

"It doesn't bear thinking about what could happen.

"This is not a decision I would take lightly and it is unfortunate everybody else would suffer."

Four years ago, evening buses were withdrawn for a month from around the Grovelands Road area in similar circumstances.

Bruce Swann, Transport and General Workers' Union representative and a bus driver for 16 years, said: "What they are doing is extremely dangerous.

"We don't want to inconvenience ordinary passengers but we can't carry on if drivers are being targeted.

"These buses carry many elderly passengers and it would be very serious if one of them was hit by a rock or breaking glass."

Orpington MP John Horam says the attacks must be "stamped out" and has called for either inspectors or police to accompany drivers on problem routes.

He said: "I would support withdrawing the route as a last resort but I would be concerned about the elderly people who rely on these buses."

A spokesman for London Buses, which controls bus operators, says the organisation is working with police and First Buses to keep the routes running.

She said: "We don't condone attacks on our staff. Drivers should have the right to work in a safe environment."

The R1 runs from Green Street Green, through Chelsfield and Orpington to the Crays. The R11 takes a similar route and goes on to Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.