Boy slashes Brighton bus driver during robbery

A teenage boy slashed a Brighton bus driver’s arm during a robbery.

The boy snatched a handful of coins after boarding the bus outside the Downs Hotel in Woodingdean with another boy and two girls on Friday evening (16 August).

He also kicked the driver of the 2A bus in the shin before running off.

Sussex Police urged anyone who saw the robbery or who knows the identity of the young thug to help trace him. He was captured on CCTV by Brighton and Hove Buses.

The force said that the four teenagers got on the bus at about 10pm last Friday, adding: “One of the girls paid for four child tickets but then asked for a refund.

“One of the boys then reached through the screen and snatched at the coins.

“The driver tried to stop him and noticed a sharp pain in his arm.

“He tried to get the boy off the bus but the teenager continued to confront him and then kicked him in the shin and fled with some of the takings.

“The driver had to have stitches to his arm and had to have time off work.”

The boy was described as white, about 15 years old, 5ft 7in tall and skinny with dark brown short hair. He had a Brighton accent and was wearing a grey jacket and carrying a rucksack.

Detective Constable Caroline Gridley, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “The bus driver tried to calm the situation but was repaid by being cut on the arm.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who was on the bus at the time and saw the incident taking place or who knows who the teenagers are.”

The bus was heading from Rottingdean into the centre of Brighton at the time.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.