A bus firm was forced to make a drastic decision and divert part of their fleet as troublesome children threw rocks at vehicles during Halloween.

Nu Venture boss Norman Kemp said the mindless "mucking about" in Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, meant it was no longer safe for buses to travel through that particular area last night.

The bus company has experienced similar issues in Snodland and Ringlestone in the past and Mr Kemp has called for the craze to stop.

He said: "There seems to be an epidemic of it.

"We are a bit of an easy target. If a window breaks it could shower a passenger with glass.

"During the Tovil incident the driver was aware that there were kids at the side of the road mucking about.

"The driver heard rattling on the side of the bus and pulled ahead and there was no damage but then we decided the bus behind would be diverted in case there were children lying in wait."

The diverted buses were driven down Lower Road (B2010) to avoid the yobs who had been hurling stones.

Mr Kemp confirmed the matter had been reported to Tovil Parish Council and Kent Police.

He added: "We have previously had eggs thrown at buses in Kings Hill but it is an occupational hazard at this time of year and it shouldn't be.

"I don't know whether or not it is a social media craze but it has got to stop.

"We have the fewest problems in Maidstone but there is a small minority who ruin it for everyone."

Similar incidents were reported by Arriva bus drivers two weeks ago after three seperate attacks in Medway.