YORK bus bosses believe a cycling youth playing a deadly game of "chicken" could be responsible for an accident in which at least seven passengers were injured.

Paramedics and police were called to Bridge Street yesterday when a First bus driver made an emergency stop outside the former York Arts Centre at St John's Church.

Several of the 15 passengers were treated for cuts and bruises after being thrown forward in the accident at about 3pm, which did not involve any other vehicle.

Police today warned that the youngster's actions were "reckless" and plunged other lives into jeopardy.

Peter Edwards, of First, said the boy rode on his back wheel on the wrong side of the road directly at the front of the bus, as a group of youths looked on from the pavement.

He said: "We don't really know what happened, but the driver said a young person on a bike rode directly towards the bus on his back wheel.

"This caused the driver to brake sharply. It was unavoidable from the driver's point of view.

"We are hoping that the police will be able to get CCTV footage of what has happened from a nearby camera.

"The safety of our passengers is absolutely paramount and the problem here is that people are not strapped in on buses and the brakes are very effective."

An ambulance service spokeswoman said three people were taken by ambulance to York Hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

She said another woman had been treated at the scene for shock and there were three "walking wounded" who did not immediately attend hospital.

A York police spokesman the boy was white and was wearing a blue and white-striped hooded top. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should phone York police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, August 19, 2004