A bus driver has spoken out after an attack on his vehicle by masked youths in Londonderry left passengers shaken and caused significant damage.

Tony McBride, who drives for Translink, said about 20 youths were waiting for him in the Lecky Road area on Saturday around 18:25 BST. He said they ran towards the bus firing missiles and large boulders taken from a nearby work site.

McBride said his windscreen was hit five times, and the door and other windows were also damaged. Passengers were covered in glass, he said, and two children and elderly people on board were left petrified.

He said he tried to escape but had difficulty seeing the road ahead because of the broken windscreen. He was also worried he might hit one of the attackers.

McBride drove the bus to Fanad Drive and then up Creggan Road, where he and a passenger contacted police. He said the ordeal has affected him, and he was disturbed to hear the youths laughing in social media videos circulating afterwards.

The driver said he has received support from his family and employer and planned to return to work on Monday. He said he will not be deterred.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Ch Supt Gillian Kearney described the attack as extremely reckless and said it could have resulted in serious injury. She said it was an attack on the local community and should be condemned by all across the city.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan called the incident despicable moronic behaviour. Sinn Féin councillor Patricia Logue said her thoughts are with the driver and she hopes he has a speedy recovery.

Police also reported that a number of items were set alight in the area for a short period on Saturday evening.