Sikh Bus Driver Attacked in UK, Bus Hijacked in Telford; Suspect Arrested After Dramatic Chase

A Sikh bus driver was allegedly assaulted and his bus stolen in Telford, England, in a dramatic incident that ended with the arrest of a 33-year-old man within 10 minutes of the initial police call.

The incident took place around 6:30 pm on September 18 on Court Street in Madeley. Police said the suspect, identified as Ali Balhad, allegedly took the bus before driving dangerously, travelling on the wrong side of the road and colliding with several vehicles.

The confrontation between the suspect and the driver was recorded on video.

In the footage, Balhad can be seen allegedly pulling the driver’s beard and repeatedly banging his head against the driver’s head. A woman nearby questions the assault, while the driver asks for the police to be called and for the man to be taken away.

POLICE RESPOND WITHIN MINUTES

Superintendent Edward Hancox, who is responsible for local policing in Telford, said officers responded swiftly after receiving the first report.

“Officers were on the scene, and had made the arrest, within 10 minutes of the first call being received,” Hancox said. He added that the suspect remained in police custody as officers worked to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Detective Sergeant Taigh Lannie said the incident was likely to have caused concern among residents and highlighted the speed of the police response.

POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESS FOOTAGE

Investigators are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have captured it on camera. Police are seeking dashcam, CCTV, mobile phone and doorbell footage from the areas around Court Street, Park Way and High Street around the time of the incident.

Authorities said footage from members of the public could help investigators piece together the sequence of events.

SUSPECT REMANDED IN CUSTODY

Balhad, who is believed to have been in the Telford area for about a week, faces multiple charges in connection with the incident. The charges include 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 at Telford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 21. Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward.