TEENAGERS are putting their lives at risk by trying to "ride" the back of buses as they pass through a York village.

Police said they have received reports of youths attempting to hold on to the back of First buses as they travel through New Earswick.

The youngsters have been seen trying to grab the bodywork of buses as they stop or slow at stops and junctions in Haxby Road near the parade of shops.

Officers are unsure of exactly how the teenagers are holding on to the buses, but it is thought they have been trying to grip window ledges and gaps in the bodywork with their fingers.

Bus company bosses said that modern vehicles do not have any obvious handles or protruding ledges that pedestrians or cyclists could grab.

PC Richard Gatecliffe, of York Police, said a driver reported that there had been "problems" with youths who often gather at a bus stop in the area.

He said: "In these circumstances the driver is unaware that someone may be holding on to the back of his vehicle as he gains speed out of the village.

"We fear that someone is going to fall off under the bus itself or under a following vehicle. This could result in serious injury or even death. We are appealing for anyone who has seen youths attempting to ride buses or other large vehicles in the area to contact York Police immediately on 0845 60 60 24 7."

Peter Edwards, of First, said the incidents were thought to be isolated and no new reports have been received from drivers.

He said: "Obviously we are extremely concerned at this dangerous practice. If they are doing it they are effectively invisible to the driver."

Don Crawford, chairman of New Earswick parish council, said community ward manager PC Paul Beckwith is expected to give a report on all crime and problems in the village at a meeting on Monday.

He said he was "very concerned" about the reports, but said they have not yet been drawn to his attention. He said: "This is certainly a very dangerous thing to do."

Updated: 09:35 Saturday, November 13, 2004