A PASSENGER suffered a deep cut to his forehead when hooligans hurled a rock through a bus window in Walmersley.

First Bus withdrew its 472 service from Bury to Ramsbottom after the attack.

The bus was travelling along Walmersley Road towards Ramsbottom at 7pm on Wednesday when a brick smashed through the window, hitting John Connor in the face. The attack happened near to the Sun Dial pub.

The injured passenger, a Social Services worker for Bury Council, was taken to Fairfield General Hospital for treatment to his bleeding forehead.

A second passenger suffered minor cuts from flying glass and was treated at the scene by paramedics. He declined hospital treatment.

Mr David Doolin, spokesman for First Bus, said: "As a result of this act of mindless vandalism the 472 service was withdrawn for the remainder of Wednesday evening and reinstated as normal yesterday.

"The Walmersley Road route is not a known accident hotspot but we will monitor the situation for the foreseeable future.

"The safety of our passengers and drivers is paramount."