Two buses were damaged and services delayed after a group of teenagers targeted passing vehicles in a “deliberate” catapult attack.

An Arriva bus was travelling with passengers along Headcorn Road, near Staplehurst, shortly before 6pm on Wednesday (April 9) when it was struck on the side near a hedge-lined field.

Users thought at first it sounded like nothing more than a “brush against the window,” but then moments later, the glass suddenly caved in.

The incident forced the driver to call for a replacement bus, but then shortly after the second service arrived it was hit in the exact same spot.

Millie Dance, 18, a hairdresser, was on her way home after attending her once-a-week hairdressing college.

She said she saw a group of teenagers gathered in a nearby field just before the initial incident.

“At first we thought maybe it was a branch or something,” she said. It just sounded like something brushed against the window.

“But then, as we went around the corner, the glass suddenly gave in.

“It sounded like a bomb. It was scary.”

No one was sitting next to the shattered window, but the bus had to be taken out of service and replaced.

It was the second bus, however, that confirmed suspicions as after a replacement vehicle arrived it was struck in the exact same spot.

“It was the second window down from the front again,” Millie added.

“That’s when the driver knew it was deliberate. Those kids were still there, they didn’t run off.”

The driver called for assistance and reported the incident to the depot, which then informed police.

A third bus then had to be sent to continue the route.

Arriva South has confirmed the incident and said it has been reported to officers.

A spokesperson said: “We are very concerned by this incident, in which an object was thrown at a bus while it was travelling in Staplehurst shortly before 6pm.”

Police said they were called to a report of criminal damage.

A spokesperson added: “It is alleged two Arriva buses were damaged by projectiles, suspected to have been fired with catapults.

“An investigation was commenced and all available lines of enquiry have been explored.

“Pending new information coming to light, the investigation has been filed.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/59537/25.

Residents with private CCTV or drivers with dashcam, who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, are also asked to check for footage.

No injuries were reported.