A SCHOOLGIRL is suffering from concussion after a gang of stone-throwing yobs attacked a bus.

A rock hit a bus window with such force it crashed through the glass and struck 16-year-old passenger Jemma Lane on the head, knocking her out.

Cleveland Police Sergeant Ian Sharp said: "We want to hear from anyone who saw this incident. This girl could well have been killed or seriously injured by these mindless youths. They need to be caught and stopped.

"Throwing missiles at moving vehicles is no joke. It could be deadly and we treat such incidents very seriously."

There have been other incidents of youths throwing stones at vehicles in the town.

Last year, police rounded up a gang of five from Owton Manor, who were said to be responsible for a number of attacks on buses.

Jemma's mother, Joanne, said: "She thought she was going to die.

"It's disgusting, terrible.

"Hopefully someone will help the police trace those responsible."

Jemma was injured as she travelled on the Compass Travel bus near the Middleton bus station, on the Hartlepool Headland at about 9pm on Thursday. Three bus windows were shattered.

The youngster was discharged following hospital treatment, with the warning to take it easy over the next 48 hours.

Jemma said the bus was approaching a derelict pub a popular hang-out for youngsters, when she saw a gang of between 20 and 25 youths.

"As I turned back I felt a stone hit me on my head. The next thing was I woke up and the bus driver was in front of me asking: 'Are you okay?'"

Jemma then lost consciousness again, coming round on the floor of the bus.

The Hartlepool sixth former, who wants to be a policewoman, said: "I just feel shaken and angry. The bump has gone down, but I have little cuts on my head.

"All I remember is looking at the gang, turning my head and something hitting me on the head. There was a big piece of glass on my lap and glass all over me.''

Anyone with information is asked to call (01429) 890081.