Officer hurt in youth bus attack

A police community support officer (PCSO) was hurt when college students attacked a bus in south-east London when they were unable to board it.

The route 51 bus was attacked in Orpington High Street on Tuesday when about 40 teenagers were left behind.

Police said the PCSO, 25, boarded the packed bus after several students to allow the driver to move off.

Those left behind kicked the front and rear doors and tried to force the emergency exit open, police said.

Seven teenagers, aged between 16 and 19, were arrested for public order offences, violent disorder and assaulting police officers.

Officer injured

The PCSO was forced to call for backup to control the mob. He suffered a cut to his face, which required hospital treatment.

Officers and dog handlers from neighbouring Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham were called to the scene.

A spokesman for East London Bus Group said an internal inquiry has begun and CCTV footage from the bus has been handed over to police.

Passengers on the bus and the driver were not injured.

Two of those arrested have been bailed until December while the other five remain in police custody.