2 days ago
Sikh Bus Driver Assaulted Before Hijacked Bus Crashes Into Cars
A Sikh bus driver was attacked in Madeley, England, on Friday evening.
The attacker forced him out of the bus and took control of it.
The bus was then driven on the wrong side of the road.
It crashed into several vehicles.
Police stopped the bus and arrested a man.
The driver had minor injuries and received medical treatment.
Police said nobody else was believed to be injured.
A video of the assault later spread online.
Reports gave different descriptions of the suspect’s age, and one report named him as Ali Balhad.
A Sikh bus driver was assaulted and forced from his bus on Court Street in Madeley, Telford.
The bus was driven along Park Way toward High Street on the wrong side of the road and collided with multiple vehicles.
Police arrested a man on suspicion of robbery and dangerous driving after stopping the bus.
The driver received treatment for minor injuries, while police said no one else was believed to have been hurt.
Reports differed on the suspect’s age; one identified him as 33-year-old Ali Balhad and listed additional charges.
- Who
- A Sikh bus driver, an arrested man, and West Mercia Police were involved.
- What
- The driver was assaulted and removed from his bus, which was then stolen, driven dangerously, and involved in multiple collisions.
- Where
- Court Street in Madeley, Telford, followed by Park Way and High Street in Shropshire, England.
- When
- Friday, September 18, at about 6:30–6:37 p.m.; footage surfaced online on Sunday, September 20.
- Why
- Police are investigating the assault, suspected bus theft, dangerous driving, collisions, and other alleged offences; no motive was stated.
Key facts
- Location
- Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, England
- Incident time
- September 18 at approximately 6:30 p.m.; police received a call at about 6:37 p.m.
- Bus route
- Park Way toward High Street, reportedly on the wrong side of the road
- Injuries
- The Sikh bus driver suffered minor injuries; police said no one else was believed to have been injured
- Arrest
- A man was arrested and remained in police custody on suspicion of robbery and dangerous driving
- Suspect discrepancy
- One report described the suspect as being in his 20s, while other reports described him as being in his 30s or identified him as 33-year-old Ali Balhad
- Additional allegations
- One report said Ali Balhad faced charges including aggravated vehicle taking, assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, robbery, theft from a store, threats to kill, and three counts of criminal damage
- Evidence sought
- Police requested dashcam, CCTV, mobile-phone, and doorbell footage from Court Street, Park Way, and High Street
Quotes
Detective Sergeant Taigh Lannie
West Mercia Police detective sergeant commenting on the incident and arrest
“Our enquiries are continuing, and we’re keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened or may have footage that could assist us. In particular, we’d ask anyone with dashcam, CCTV, mobile phone or doorbell footage from the Court Street, Park Way or High Street areas around the time of the incident to please check their recordings and contact police.”
wionews.com
indianexpress.com
NDTV
“We understand this will have been an alarming incident for those in the area this evening. I'd like to reassure the community that officers responded quickly, and a man has been arrested and remains in police custody.”
wionews.com
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
Unidentified woman
A woman reportedly recording the incident
“Why are you touching him like that?”
indianexpress.com
Sikh bus driver
The bus driver who was assaulted
“Can you call the police, please?”
indianexpress.com
Edward Hancox
Superintendent for local policing in Telford
“Officers were on the scene, and had made the arrest, within 10 minutes of the first call being received. This included armed officers deploying from Malinsgate Police Station. A man remains in police custody while we work to fully understand the circumstances of what happened.”
NDTV
Sources
Sikh bus driver assaulted, bus stolen and rammed into cars in England; video surfaces
On camera: Sikh driver assaulted, beard pulled before bus hijacked in UK
On Camera, Yemeni Man Assaults Sikh Driver, Steals His Bus, Rams Vehicles In UK
British Sikh bus driver attacked, thrown out before hijacked vehicle crashes into cars - Telegraph India
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