A bus driver attacked and punched in a attempted robbery while he was stuck in the snow

At about 11am on Friday, a single decker First bus was stopped behind another bus that was stuck in snow in Meggeson Avenue, Southampton.

A group of about 30 youths began pelting the vehicle with snowballs.

Then, about five of the group forced their way onto the bus, assaulted the 45-year-old driver and attempted unsuccessfully to take his bag.

The driver was punched in the face and repeatedly pelted with snowballs.

The youths involved in the assault are believed to be aged between 15 and 17.

They wore black hooded coats.

Local people went to the driver’s assistance, and the youths fled towards shops in Meggeson Avenue. The driver suffered minor injuries.

Detectives want to hear from witnesses and those who helped the driver. “This was the first day of snowy weather. Most people were out to enjoy it, but this group took advantage of the situation to commit crime,” said DC David Jackson.

“There were lots of people around and the time, and police need to speak to those people,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Jackson at Bitterne on 101.