Reckless youths slammed for launching lit firework onto London bus

Transport bosses have slammed the "idiotic behaviour" of a gang of youths who launched a lit firework onto a London bus.

The gang set the rocket off as the doors of a bus destined for Angel, in Islington, north London, opened.

Passengers screamed as it exploded and ricochetted towards them, sending sparks flying.

Transport for London said it was working with Met Police to ensure the "appropriate action was taken".

Video footage of the incident was filmed by a young man who was sat near the back of the vehicle.

In the clip, at least six passengers can be seen on the bus with a number of them ducking out of the way or screaming in panic.

Once the firework is out, two young men can be seen jumping off the bus and giving chase to the gang. One man is heard yelling: "What the f***? I swear to God."

Steve Burton, Transport for London's Director of Enforcement, said: "This idiotic behaviour is extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated.

"We are working with Metropolitan Police to ensure appropriate action is taken."

It is not known if anyone was injured. The incident is believed to have happened on York Way in King's Cross in the last week.

Witness Apostolos Filis shared the video via social media on Monday, describing how passengers on the bus were "randomly attacked".

Fellow witness Joe Listo-Rees wrote on his Instagram that he "did not expect s*** like this to happen".

The law states that using or selling fireworks illegally in the UK could land an offender either a fine of up to £5,000 and a six month stretch in prison.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police non-emergency number on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.