Bus drivers have been left fearing for their safety after youths with ‘gel guns’ fired at their colleagues, leaving one with an eye injury.

Teens fired at moving Go North East buses in Stanley, County Durham twice last week using ‘gel guns’ – a type of toy weapon marketed at kids.

The guns use small gel balls soaked in water as ammunition, and some can fire hundreds of shots a minute. There are fears they can cause serious injury if they hit someone in the face, or if the gel balls are frozen.

Read more: Mum slams Parkdean Resorts after holiday from hell in flying ant infested chalet

One driver, on the 78 service from Consett to Sunderland, was left with an injury to their eye after being hit by a gel gun pellet.

A Go North East insider told the Echo drivers feared for their safety along the route through the Holly Hill Gardens area of the town.

They said: “Drivers feel uneasy going through there.

“We want to get on with our job, but you have you and your passengers’ safety to think of.”

A diversion was initially put in place in the days after the incidents but was revoked last Friday (August 11) with buses returning to their normal route.

Durham Police and Go North East are now investigating the incident, with officers identifying a group of about five teens in grey tracksuits who they believe to be responsible.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers received reports of a disturbance in the Holly Hill Gardens area of Stanley at around 1.20pm on Wednesday, August 9.

“A group of around five teenagers are alleged to have fired a ‘gel gun’ at a moving bus, resulting in the driver suffering an injury to their eye which required medical attention.

“The suspects were described as in their early teens and wearing grey tracksuit bottoms.

“An investigation is currently underway.”

Forces across the country have issued warnings in recent months following an increase in incidents involving gel guns amid fears they can cause alarm if mistaken for real firearms.

In the two weeks from June 25 more than 30 incidents were reported nationwide.

In a statement Go North East said: “We are currently investigating two recent incidents in which our drivers have been assaulted with pellet guns.

“This is a huge concern for us, and we are working to support the drivers involved whilst they recover. We are working closely with the authorities and our buses are fully equipped with CCTV and that is assisting our investigation.”

The Unite union, which represents drivers at the firm, said members' safety is always the priority.

Read next:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week.

Unite regional officer Mark Sanderson said: “The safety of all workers, including bus drivers is absolutely paramount.

“Unite has taken measures to ensure that Go North East drivers are not placed in danger and we are advising our members to always put their safety first.

“Go North East has a fundamental duty of care to all its workers and Unite will make sure that this is upheld to the letter.

“It is also imperative that Go North East ensure that the police understand the seriousness of the matter and ensure the culprits are caught and punished.”