A bus driver was attacked by an abusive passenger as he drove a night bus in Hove.
Police today released this picture of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the assault which happened just before 1am in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 August.
A police spokeswoman said: “The victim was driving the Number 1 bus along Davigdor Road around 00.55am on Tuesday 23 August when a passenger became angry and abusive. The driver was then assaulted, leaving him shaken and distressed.
“Officers investigating the matter believe the man pictured could help with their enquiries.
“If you recognise him, or have any other information relating to the assault, please contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 97 of 23/08.”
I didn’t think the Number 1 bus went to Davigdor Road – the Number 7 does.
Yup – the 1 and the N1 go along Western and then Church road.
Good point, Chris. We’re told that it was a number 1 but on a diversion.
It was a night bus. I think they have different routes sometimes.
My name is Francis. It was me. I alighted at the train station to go back to Norfolk sq. just before that it diverted up to 7 dials. I kept ringing the bell. He wouldn’t stop at bus stops. There was no other traffic. I then went to the front of the bus and asked him again, politely to stop. He said no & continued. I banged on the Perspex for him to let me alight, he was taking me further from home. He said no and went past another bus stop. I told him I had a brain tumour and 2 heart attacks recentlyz. I felt like I was being kidnapped. He eventually stopped North Holland Road.
I was shaking and visibly frustrated, yet he claims to be a victim. I will liase with police myself. I was worried I was going to have another cardiac event whilst being effectively kidnapped
Yes Francis, do call the Police. That’s a good idea.
I’ve called and emailed the police and bus company. If anyone would like the full account of statement, please do email me and I’ll happily oblige
Update on abuse to perspex sheet: neither the bus company nor police or Argus reporter have responded to my request for a meeting with myself and an advocate to take a further statement from my already detailed email of account. There’s CCTV of the whole torrid incident for goodness sake. Ps, no damage was done to the offended Perspex.
Ps, BIG shout out to Dr Hadjivassilev, an amazing Cardiologist I’ve met recently and the Dr’s and Nurses at Royal Sussex A&E ‘that’ night a month a go! HUGE Thank you