Police probe 64-year-old bus driver assault at Battersea Bridge

A 64-year-old London bus driver is in a critical condition after a serious assault at battersea bridge shortly before 12.30am on Monday. Police said the attack followed a confrontation on the pavement while the bus was parked at a stop.

Officers gave the driver first aid before an air ambulance took him to hospital in the early hours of Monday. A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

Fiona Van Kampen appeal

Detective Superintendent Fiona Van Kampen said police are urgently appealing for information and working to establish the exact circumstances of the attack. She said, "We recognise the intense concern this will cause within the local community, and are working to establish the exact circumstances of the attack."

Van Kampen added: "This took place on one of London’s busiest bridges, so we are urgently appealing for anyone with information to come forward." Police are asking anyone with dash-cam or mobile phone footage of what happened to share it, using the reference CAD 174/18May. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

Transport for London response

Transport for London said it is supporting the police with the investigation. Siwan Hayward, its director of security, policing and enforcement, said: "Our thoughts are with the bus driver, his family and his friends following this shocking incident."

She also said: "We strongly condemn all forms of violence and aggression and everyone has the right to work and travel on London’s transport network safely and without fear."

For passengers and bus staff, the immediate priority is the police appeal. Anyone who was near Battersea Bridge late on Monday and has a recording on a phone or dash-cam can add to the inquiry, while the suspect remains under arrest and the driver stays in hospital.