CHILDREN are risking death as they cling to the back of moving Bolton buses.

Now worried bus company bosses are working with the police to try to put a stop to the daredevil craze before there is a tragedy.

It mirrors past hairbrained antics in which children have been spotted hanging on to the back of fire engines and milk floats.

Already one person on a First Manchester bus has been hurt. The passenger was thrown forward when the driver was forced to slam on the brakes. He had spotted a child hanging on and feared he had slipped under his bus wheels when he disappeared from view in the wing mirror.

The woman passenger sustained minor injuries when she was thrown to the floor.

Worried First Manchester managers say the situation has worsened in recent months.

Now they are urging the youngsters to stop their high risk capers before a child is crushed to death.

Steve Walker, the company's operations manager, said: "They do not realise how dangerous it is. The problem is that one of these children could fall and die.

"They don't seem to realise the dangers they could cause for themselves, our passengers and our staff. Try to imagine how you would feel if you ran over a child."

Only last week a driver was forced to stop his bus after a child lay down in the middle of a Bolton road, so the bus would slow down enough for his pals to climb onto the back of the vehicle. A report on the latest incident is now being prepared for company managers.

Bosses say the problem is mainly confined to the Withins estate and in particular the Kentmere Road area at the moment.

Bus inspectors have stepped up mobile patrols in the area to try to catch the youngsters and Bolton police are contacted every time an incident is reported.

A police spokesman said: "This is obviously a very dangerous practice which puts lives at risk.

"These children need to think not only of themselves but also of the drivers and passengers who could have to witness an horrific accident."

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