A BUS packed with York schoolchildren was today the target of "mindless vandalism".

A heavy nut was thrown through the side window of the First bus, smashing it and showering glass into the vehicle as it pulled up outside Huntington School.

Although no one was hurt in the attack, it has caused great concern to the First bus company.

"It could have been a very serious incident," said managing director Brian Asquith.

"If this had hit the driver or any of the kids, it could have been very nasty indeed."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident had been reported.

"This sort of mindless vandalism is unacceptable," he said.

"There could have been some very serious consequences."

The deputy head teacher of Huntington school, David Kibble, said the incident was being looked into at the school.

"To my knowledge, none of our pupils have been injured," he said.

Updated: 16:01 Friday, December 14, 2001