5 Feb 2010

Pair arrested after shots fired at bus and cyclist

3:02 pm on 5 February 2010

The head of the Christchurch bus company whose vehicle was shot at says anti-graffiti plastic film on windows helped reduce the impact of the bullets.

Police say a single shot was fired at a cyclist at the intersection of Colombo St and Bealey Ave about 3pm on Thursday.

About 30 minutes later, three shots were fired from a vehicle at a bus travelling on Sawyers Arms Road near the airport, police say.

Red Bus chief executive Paul McNoe says the anti-graffiti plastic film may be put on all their buses as part of a review of security procedures.

He says the female driver and passengers were left shocked but unhurt.

Mr McNoe praised the experienced driver for taking evasive action. "Our driver was able to pull safely off the road and ensure that none of the passengers were injured."

Police say an air gun has been recovered and two men have been charged in connection with the incident.