WATCH: Shocking footage emerges of female Bus Éireann bus driver shot in face by an air gun

Footage has emerged of a serious incident aboard a Limerick Bus Éireann bus on Friday, in which a teen shot the female driver of the bus in the face with an air gun after being kicked off the vehicle.

In a statement released by the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) on Friday, they explained that a female member of staff at Bus Éireann working the 303 in service in Limerick was attacked by a "gang of youths", who refused to pay their fare for the bus journey

Upon leaving, they produced an air gun and shot the female driver "below the eye".

Gardaí confirmed in a statement that they are investigating the incident

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In a statement, Senior National Executive Member Stephen Nugent said it was a "disgraceful and extremely dangerous incident" for "a Bus Éireann driver who had only began her second week". Nugent also described the group involved in the attack as a "gang of youths".

"Local NBRU reps have requested that Bus Éireann immediately withdraw services in the affected area until such time that assurances on Safety are forthcoming," Nugent added.

"This appalling incident, once again demonstrates the immediate requirement for the longstanding call form the NBRU for a dedicated Garda Public Transport Unit to be established, our Politicians, particularly those in Government need to move immediately to protect the Frontline Transport works and those that use Public Transport."