Dunloy bus terror for passengers

The drama - reminiscent of a wild west hijacking - unfolded at 10.20am as the bus made its way from the village to Ballymena.

Other passengers on board the bus looked on as the motorist pulled up alongside the moving bus before allegedly cutting in front of it as it travelled along Bridge Road.

It is understood frightened passengers feared the bus could have been forced off the road and the bus driver was forced to stop to avoid colliding with the vehicle.

The motorist then ran onto the bus before singling out a passenger.

A verbal exchange ensued however it is understood no violence was used.

The motorist then made his way off the bus and drove off.

The incident occurred on Wednesday 20 January although details have just emerged.

"It was unbelievable," a source who did not want to be named told the Times.

"People on board were genuinely concerned as they hadn't a clue what was going on.

"With the heightened security alert throughout the province at the minute people were panicking incase it was some sort of terrorist plot.

"Thankfully no-one was injured but people were certainly shaken up by it."

A spokesperson for Translink who operate the bus service, said: "We can confirm there was an incident at approximately 10.20am on the Dunloy to Ballymena service on Wednesday 20 January 2010.

"We are assisting PSNI with their investigations."

A police spokesman appealed for witnesses to come forward.