BUS DRIVER WHO SAVED COUPLE FROM STREET ATTACK HAILED A HERO

A hero bus driver who rescued a couple from a dangerous road-side assault has been recognised for his quick-thinking actions.

Oxford Bus Company driver Asim Ali stopped his city15 service when he spotted a couple being harassed in Girdlestone Road near the Churchill Hospital.

Mr Ali ensured all passengers onboard the bus were safe before he sheltered the pair at the rear of the vehicle for their protection. The 37-year-old then bravely stood between them and their attacker and calmed the situation while waiting for the police to arrive.

“It was clear to me a very serious assault was taking place and I had to stop the bus,” said Mr Ali.

“I stopped the bus immediately, jumped out of my seat and asked the couple if they were okay, which they were not. The gentleman was on the phone to the police and I sheltered them in my bus so the attacker couldn’t get near them.

“The attacker was very aggressive and kept questioning who I was while I was stood between him and the two victims. He was trying to push me around to get to them for at least five minutes. The lady was terrified and in a terrible situation.

“I reassured the passengers that everything would be okay to calm the situation. Everything happened very quickly but making sure everyone on the bus felt safe was important.”

Shortly after Thames Valley Police were contacted, they arrived at the scene, where they arrested the suspect and cared for the couple.

The incident took place in the Spring during Mr Ali’s evening shift which serves Wood Farm, Churchill Hospital and Oxford City Centre. His heroics saw him named as the Star of the Month at Oxford Bus Company and given a set of gift vouchers.

Mr Ali added: “You never expect things like this to happen, this is the first serious incident I have ever attended to.

“I am sure anyone in my position would have done the same. Of course, it is our job to transport people to and from destinations. But the comfort and safety of passengers and members of the public is always at the forefront of our minds too.”

Mr Ali has worked for the Oxford Bus Company since 2007, initially driving the Airline Services between Oxford and Heathrow and Gatwick and the former X90 service to London. The Oxford resident now drives buses on the City services transporting passengers in north Oxford, Abingdon and Oxford.

Phil Southall, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “Asim was extremely brave, and he thoroughly deserved our Star of the Month award.

“His actions helped control a dangerous and distressing situation and the police were highly complementary of his support. He acted with great professionalism, and we are all very proud of the care he provided to not only the couple in danger but also our passengers.

“Asim is a great example of the care our drivers have for our customers and the people of Oxfordshire.”