On Camera, Sikh Driver Assaulted As Yemeni National Hijacks Bus, Rams Vehicles In UK
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A Sikh bus driver was assaulted before a bus was allegedly stolen and driven into multiple vehicles in Telford, England, on Friday evening. The incident, which unfolded on Court Street in Madeley around 6:30 pm on September 18, was captured on camera and ended with the arrest of a 33-year-old Yemeni national.
Sikh Driver Assaulted Before Bus Was Stolen
Footage from the incident shows the man, identified as Ali Balhad, allegedly pulling the Sikh driver’s beard and banging his head against the driver’s head.
A woman recording the incident can be heard asking, “Why are you touching him like that?” The driver then asks her to call the police and pleads for the man to be taken away.
The accused allegedly damaged parts of the bus before pulling out what appeared to be a light from the driver’s cabin and threatening to hit the driver. He repeatedly demanded that the driver hand over the bus.
The assault continued for more than a minute before the driver was allegedly forced out of the vehicle and Balhad took control of the bus.
Bus Driven On Wrong Side Of Road
According to West Mercia Police, the bus was then driven along Park Way towards the High Street on the wrong side of the road, colliding with multiple vehicles.
Video footage shows a woman running behind the bus while repeatedly warning people to move aside and shouting in alarm.
Police received the first call at around 6:37 pm and officers were sent to Court Street. The vehicle was eventually stopped and officers arrested a man on suspicion of robbery and dangerous driving.
The bus driver was treated for minor injuries. Police said no one else was injured.
Police Respond Within 10 Minutes
Edward Hancox, Superintendent for local policing in Telford, said officers had arrived and made an arrest within 10 minutes of receiving the first call.
The response also involved armed officers from Malinsgate Police Station.
“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,” Hancox said.
Detective Sergeant Taigh Lannie described the incident as alarming for people in the area and said police were continuing their investigation.
Police Seek CCTV And Mobile Phone Footage
West Mercia Police have appealed to eyewitnesses and anyone with relevant footage to come forward.
Investigators are particularly seeking dashcam, CCTV, mobile phone and doorbell footage recorded around Court Street, Park Way and High Street at the time of the incident.
Charges Against Ali Balhad
Balhad, who police believe had been in the Telford area for around a week, has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, robbery, theft from a store, threats to kill and three counts of criminal damage.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Telford Magistrates’ Court on September 21.
