A council estate in south-east London has been banned from a bus route because of violent attacks.

One driver has been stabbed and others attacked on the Middle Park estate in Eltham, according to the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU).

Bus company Stagecoach is refusing to allow any service through the estate until police get crime under control.

Up to fifty youths are thought to be responsible for attacks which peaked when one driver was seriously injured on New Year's Eve.

Drivers afraid

Catford TGWU representative Mick Porter said: "That driver was robbed and stabbed and that was the last straw.

"Drivers are afraid to go round the estate now. These guys are coming to work to do a job, to serve the public, they don't expect to be attacked, injured and threatened."

Police patrols were stepped up on the estate last year, after GLA member Lynne Featherstone raised concerns about violence on the buses with Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

But the union says when the police operation came to an end, the attacks started again.

Bus company Stagecoach has withdrawn routes 124, 160 and 660.

Union and Stagecoach representatives will be joined by Eltham MP Clive Efford to discuss what can be done about the attacks at a meeting next Monday.