A bus company decided to stop serving a housing estate after yobs in balaclavas began throwing bricks at its buses.

Uno says its vehicles have been targeted in Shenley during December, particularly in the dark.

Youths in balaclavas have been launching stones and bricks at the buses, shattering windows.

Incidents have reportedly happened on December 15, 20, and 21.

Fortunately, no one has been injured.

On New Year's Eve, Uno announced it would be diverting its 602 service away from Porters Park Drive, Shenley, after 4pm, before a decision was made to avoid the village altogether.

Instead, services, which begin and end in Hatfield and Watford, were diverting via Watling Street and Harper Lane, between Radlett and London Colney.

There have been reports on social media of youngsters living in Shenley having no option but to get off the bus more than a mile or two away from Shenley, including near McDonald's in London Colney, and then walking to Shenley.

Parents have expressed their concerns about the diversion on Twitter and in a Facebook community group in Shenley.

But Uno says safety of our customers and drivers is of the "utmost priority" - although buses are expected to serve Porters Park Drive again from Monday, as children return to school.

A spokesperson added: "Following several incidents where items have been thrown at buses in the Porters Park area, we have suspended all 602 buses from the area after 4pm and we are continuing to monitor the situation outside of these times closely.

"We’re working with the police and local council to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologise for the inconvenience caused. We aim to serve all stops again from January 6 and customers can check our website for service updates."

William Susman, chairman of Shenley Parish Council, says teamwork has helped resolve the situation.

Cllr Susman said: "This bus service is a lifeline to people living in Shenley. To pull the service without much notice was poor show and Uno could have communicated with us and residents better. Maybe we wouldn't have seen someone turfed off at London Colney.

"But Uno rang me first thing this morning to try and get this resolved and teamwork has helped get this resolved.

"They are now happy that with the assurances from the police who are putting on increased patrols."

Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Officers are aware of reports of vandalism to buses in Shenley. Enquiries are being carried out and patrols have been increased in the area. No arrests have been made at this time but any witnesses or anyone with information should call 101."