21 January 2013 Last updated at 10:08 ET

Southampton bus driver attacked by snowballs in attempted robbery

A bus driver was attacked with snowballs by a gang of youths in an attempted robbery in Southampton.

The group of about 30 began pelting the bus in Meggeson Avenue before about five of them forced their way onto the vehicle, police said.

The 45-year-old driver suffered minor injuries after he was punched in the face and repeatedly hit with snowballs on Friday at about 11:00 GMT.

Hampshire Constabulary are appealing for witnesses.

The driver had stopped the single decker First bus behind another bus that was stuck in snow when the attack and attempted robbery happened.

The gang tried to steal his bag but people went to the driver's assistance, and the youths fled towards shops in Meggeson Avenue.

Police said the youths were "believed to be aged between 15 and 17" and "wore black hooded coats".

DC David Jackson said: "This was the first day of snowy weather. Most people were out to enjoy it, but this group took advantage of the situation to commit crime."