A coach company has threatened to divert a bus service away from an Oxfordshire village after youths shattered a coach window with a brick.

The attack by a group of teenagers on a Worth's coach in Rutten Lane, Yarnton, near Kidlington, caused nearly £500 of damage.

Worth's, of Enstone, near Chipping Norton, said there had been several similar incidents since last October.

Many of its No 70 services, which pass through the village en route to and from Oxford, have been damaged by youths throwing stones.

Worth's Steve Hickling is pictured at the wheel.

The company said it would have no choice but to reroute the service along the main A44 if the problems continued, because passengers' safety was being put at risk.

Police have appealed for help to trace the vandals.

A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been arrested in connection with the attacks and released on bail.

Director Paul Worth, whose family set up the business 75 years ago, said: "The brick incident is the last straw after months of vandalism. If the glass had not been reinforced, somebody could have been seriously injured.

"We're not prepared to put our passengers or drivers in dangerous situations. We will have no choice but to avoid the village if it continues."

Yarnton beat officer Pc Dean Maskell said: "These youths must know what a dangerous activity this is.

"Those responsible will be arrested and charged."

Stagecoach said its Yarnton services had not been targeted.

Thames Valley Police last month announced plans to tackle the growing problem of stones being thrown at buses, after incidents in several areas of Oxford.

Anyone with information should call Kidlington police on 01865 846950.