Stagecoach bosses brand attack on Northampton bus driver "unacceptable"

Northampton bus bosses have branded an assault on one of their drivers "unacceptable."

And Stagecoach management vowed to do everything they can to help police track down the thug who spat at the driver of a No1 bus in a row over an ice lolly earlier this week.

The shocking incident happened outside Weston Favell Shopping Centre after a man and a woman boarded the bus with a toddler in a buggy.

The driver asked the passengers to put the ice lolly away while they were on the bus but the man flipped, spitting at the driver and smashing the bus' cab.

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses but Stagecoach marketing director Chris Child said: "Any sort of attack on our staff is unacceptable.

"Our drivers work hard to assist our passengers every day and deserve to be safe while doing their job.

"Thankfully, this type of incident is very rare.

"We continue to liaise closely with the police to assist them with their enquiries and urge anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible."

Police issued a description of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident. He is white, in his late 20s to early 30s, 6ft and of a stocky build. He was wearing a black puffa-style jacket, grey T-shirt, dark trousers and was pushing a pram with bags of shopping and nappies on it.

The man was with a white woman of a slim build with dark hair. She was wearing a leather jacket. They sat at the back of the bus after getting on.

Police would also like to speak to three passengers who left the bus and walked off in the directions of the Goldings area following the incident.