Baby Hurt as Bricks Hit Bus in West Derby, Teen Bailed
What happened on East Prescot Road
Those of us who use East Prescot Road will recognise the stretch where this happened, just a short distance from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Shortly after 10.10pm on Friday 30 October, police received reports that a group of masked males had dragged a large piece of wood into the road, forcing a bus to stop. Officers say the group then threw bricks at the vehicle, smashing a window. A nine-month-old baby on board was cut to the face and head. He was taken to hospital as a precaution, and our thoughts are with his family. Merseyside Police say officers attended the scene quickly. A 15-year-old boy was arrested nearby on suspicion of assault and criminal damage and has been conditionally bailed while inquiries continue. Five other males were spoken to by officers. They were either sent on their way or taken home. No arrests beyond the teenager have been reported so far. It is a frightening incident for anyone who has been on that route late at night, and it is a reminder of how quickly a routine journey can turn dangerous when a bus is targeted.
Who is affected and why it matters locally
The most direct impact falls on the baby and his family, who now face the worry of a serious injury to a very young child. The bus driver and passengers were also exposed to real danger, and many will be shaken by how suddenly the attack happened. Bus drivers across Liverpool work long shifts, often late into the evening, and incidents like this make a hard job harder. Local operators will be watching closely to see whether extra patrols or changes to late-night routes are needed. For families who rely on Alder Hey, the connection to the hospital adds another layer of concern. Parents already make difficult journeys to and from the site, sometimes with unwell children, and the thought of being targeted on the way is distressing. Neighbourhood groups and schools in West Derby will also feel the ripple effect. Young people in the area are often the focus of conversations about anti-social behaviour, and it is important that the response is about accountability and prevention, not blanket suspicion of an entire community. Whether you are commuting across Merseyside or planning a family break to go to Newquay, the same basic rule applies: stay alert, stay together, and report anything that feels wrong.
What residents can do and what to watch next
If you saw anything on East Prescot Road on the night of 30 October, police want to hear from you. Even small details, such as a vehicle, a direction of travel or a description of clothing, can help investigators build a clearer picture. You can contact the Merseyside Police Contact Centre via X at @MerPolCC or through its Facebook page, Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also report online through the force website or call 101. If you have information but do not want to give your name, Crimestoppers accepts anonymous reports on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999. Residents can also play a practical role. If you see groups blocking roads or interfering with buses, note the time and location and report it rather than intervening. Keep an eye on local community updates for any patrol announcements or meetings. Over the coming weeks, watch for further details on the 15-year-old’s case, including whether the matter moves forward through the courts, and for any statement from bus operators on safety measures. This story is still developing, and we will update readers as more information is released.
Source: Baby in hospital after ‘masked men threw bricks at bus window’
