Norwich bus driver assaulted twice on same journey

The actions of a man and a woman who both punched a bus driver in the face in two attacks on the same day have been condemned.

The driver, who has not been named, was driving a First bus service in Old Catton when he was initially assaulted by a female passenger who he told to leave the bus.

The driver was then assaulted for a second time on the same journey by another person, a male who got on at Anglia Square in Norwich.

A spokesman for Norfolk police said: 'The victim was verbally assaulted by a female passenger while the bus was in Lodge Lane, Old Catton.

'The man asked the female to leave the bus and she subsequently punched him and left the bus. The incident took place between 10.10am and 10.25am on Wednesday 7 December 2011.

'When the bus later reached Anglia Square a male got on the bus and verbally abused and punched the driver. The incidents are believed to be connected.'

The attacks were yesterday condemned by bosses at First who urged members of the public who witnessed the incidents to contact police.

The spokesman said: 'First is aware of the incidents which took place on Wednesday, December 7 and we are assisting the police with their investigations.'

A spokesman for Norfolk Buswatch, which campaigns for bus users, said: 'That sort of behaviour cannot be tolerated.

'I think if any passengers witness that sort of thing, they need to contact the authorities about it because it's totally unacceptable.

'Bus staff are going about their lawful business to offer a service for people and they don't deserve to be subjected to that sort of abuse.

'The police have to be seen to be clamping down on this and send out a message that this is totally unacceptable.'

Anyone with information should contact PC Keith Lambert at Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Have you got a crime story? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email as below.