VIOLENT and intimidating behaviour by large groups of youths outside Keighley Bus Station could result in serious injury or worse, it is claimed.

Keighley town councillor John Kirby, who works as a bus driver, said the problem had been ongoing for months, and involved dozens of separate incidents this year alone.

He added some elderly people are being put off from using the bus station altogether, and warned it is only a matter of time before an innocent bystander is hurt.

“I’ve asked the police to provide us with an officer for this area, but that has not materialised,” he said.

“Instead we get Police Community Support Officers, who are limited in what they can do.

“If this is not dealt with then we’re leaving members of the public open to God knows what.

“I know the police are stretched, but there’s going to be a very serious incident if something more isn’t done. This part of the town centre is becoming somewhere where people are afraid to walk through.”

Cllr Kirby said that in one case earlier this month, a yob had stood next to a young man queuing for a bus and tried to set his army jacket alight.

In another incident, he said a boy had to be protected by the bus station’s manager after being chased by a group of eight to 10 youths.

He said the troublemakers were aged around 11 to 16, and that the disorder was mainly taking place between school finishing time and 7pm.

Inspector Sue Sanderson, who leads the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team, responded: “We are aware of some incidents of anti-social behaviour involving groups of youths outside the bus station and have deployed high-visibility patrols in the area to address this.

“Our officers are now working closely with partners to identify those responsible, and will be seeking to engage with them to address their offending and prevent further incidents.

“Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Keighley, and I would urge anyone affected by it to call the 101 non-emergency number, or by speaking directly to our officers.”