London bus driver critically injured in assault

A 64-year-old bus driver is in hospital in a critical condition after he was attacked on Battersea Bridge, police said.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to the south London bridge at about 00:30 BST following reports of a serious assault. They performed emergency first aid on the man before he was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

It is believed he was assaulted following a confrontation on the pavement near the bus, which was stationary at a bus stop, the force has said.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and he remains in police custody.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Supt Fiona Van Kampen said: "We recognise the intense concern this will cause within the local community, and are working to establish the exact circumstances of the attack.

"This took place on one of London's busiest bridges, so we are urgently appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

"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 inquiries continue."

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

"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."

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