A BUS driver was attacked by a gang of hoodie-wearing youths - all because he tried to stop them getting on without paying.

The driver was punched several times in the face by the two youths in front of other passengers as he sat behind the wheel. He was left with a cut and bruise on his left eye, grazing and cuts over his right eye and a bleeding.

The assault on the 38-year-old male bus driver happened when the 383 bus from Pershore to Worcester stopped in Alton Road, St Peter's, Worcester at 11.10pm on Saturday.

A gang of 25 youths tried to get on the bus, some of whom tried to sneek on without paying. It was when the driver, who works for Kempsey-based Astons Coaches, challenged them that he was assaulted. "I think it was because I stopped them getting on the bus for free," said the driver from Red Hill, Worcester, who asked not to be named.

"They tried to get around the back and I told them to pay up or walk. I was shaken up at the time - it's such a lovely service they run out there. There's a lot of families and children. These youths spoil it for everyone else. I'm guessing they were drunk." Despite his injuries, the driver bravely carried on with his shift and only phoned police once he had finished. He did not require hospital treatment and returned to work on Monday.

Astons coaches is reviewing its security in light of what happened and CCTV in the buses is being considered. The attack on the driver was not recorded as the single-decker bus did not have a CCTV system in place. A police spokeswoman said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack that other passengers on the coach must have seen."

One of the youths wore dark clothing and a hood and the other was wearing a light blue, hooded top with a white logo/writing on the chest. Anyone with information is asked to call 08457 444 888, quoting 901/S/ 260108. Information can also be given anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.