A 64-year-old bus driver is in a critical condition after being seriously assaulted on Battersea Bridge early Monday. Police said he was attacked following a confrontation while his bus was parked at a stop shortly before 12.30am, and a 32-year-old man has bee
A 64-year-old bus driver is fighting for his life in hospital after being seriously assaulted on Battersea Bridge, one of London’s busiest stretches.
The driver was taken to hospital by air ambulance in the early hours of Monday, after police officers administered first aid at the scene following reports he had been attacked on the bridge.
The Metropolitan Police said the assault happened after a confrontation on the pavement while his bus was parked at a stop shortly before 12.30am. A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
Detective Superintendent Fiona Van Kampen said the force understands how alarming the incident will feel for the local community. and that officers are working to establish the exact circumstances.. “This took place on one of London’s busiest bridges. so we are urgently appealing for anyone with information to come forward. ” she said.
She added: “If you have dash-cam or mobile phone footage of what happened, it is important that we see it. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family as enquiries continue.”
The attack comes amid a wider backdrop of abuse toward bus drivers during disruption.. Last year. it was revealed that during the London Tube strikes. bus drivers were among those who “took the brunt” of abuse.. Reports of physical and verbal abuse increased that month as strikes went on for four days.
One bus driver described how passengers reacted when journeys changed or buses became crowded.. “When I told people the bus is too full. or the journey had been diverted. they punched the protective screen or spat at me. ” the driver said.. “The strikes are such an intense time for everyone, but we bear the brunt of it.”
He added: “We are essentially the customer service of TfL. People see us, and they take out whatever issues they have. It is the exact same every time there are strikes.”
In a statement at the time. Rosie Trew. TfL’s Head of Bus Service Delivery. said bus drivers have the right to do their jobs without intimidation.. “Bus drivers work hard to serve the millions of customers who use the transport network every day and continue to play a vital role in enabling Londoners to travel. ” she said.. “They have the right to go about their work without fear or intimidation. and we do not tolerate any violence. aggression or threatening behaviour towards them.”
Ms Trew said TfL is committed to making sure staff have breaks and access to facilities “including during busy periods on the network.”
The pattern described around previous strike periods—drivers telling passengers about full capacity or diversions. followed by threats or violence—sits alongside police now asking for dash-cam and mobile phone footage after a pavement confrontation on Battersea Bridge led to a serious assault shortly before 12.30am.
For now, the Metropolitan Police are continuing enquiries after the arrest of the 32-year-old man and the critical condition of the 64-year-old driver.
The force is asking anyone with information, including video or recordings from the time, to come forward as investigators work to piece together what happened on Battersea Bridge in the early hours of Monday.
UK news London Battersea Bridge bus driver assault Metropolitan Police Fiona Van Kampen grievous bodily harm TfL Tube strikes