A BUSINESS owner fears one of his customers could have been killed after a coach was shot at by an air gun.

During a trip last week, an Irving’s of Dalston coach travelling from Opera Bingo in Denton Holme to the Belle Vue area of Carlisle, was damaged.

George Irving, owner of Irving’s of Dalston, has spoken out after the incident left the driver and four passengers onboard shaken up.

He told the News & Star: “The coach was heading along Dunmail Drive, Morton, last Wednesday night when it happened.

“The driver told me she suddenly heard a loud bang, and after pulling over to check if everyone onboard was okay, discovered an air gun pellet on the floor near to the window that had been smashed.

“We’re very lucky the remaining passengers on the coach were sitting towards the front, otherwise they could have been badly hurt, or even worse, killed.

“It’s such as shocking incident, the bus does this route every night.”

The glass damaged was the window on the emergency exit door, located at the back of the coach.

“By the time the glass was replaced, the vehicle was out of action for four days,” George added.

“Fortunately I’ve got a spare coach to use, but had this happened during term time, it could have caused major disruption for us.”

Mr Irving is urging anyone who knows anything to get in touch with police.

“I’ve no idea if the shooting was intentional at the coach, or if it was an accident.

“If it was an accident, all I’d ask is that those responsible could come forward and say so.”

Cumbria Police have begun looking into the incident, with anyone with CCTV footage in the area urged to come forward.

A spokesman said: “Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage to a vehicle on Dunmail Drive, Carlisle, on Wednesday, August 7, between 9.15pm and 9.30pm.

“During the incident it is reported a pellet gun was used to smash the window of a bus.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact PC 2645 Graham on 101, email 101@cumbria.police.uk.

“Details can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log 241 of August 7.”