Driver tells victim: 'Don't drip blood on the bus'

6:38am Tuesday 2nd May 2006

A bus passenger who was a victim of a vicious robbery was shocked to then be screamed at by the driver for dripping blood on his bus.

Brendan O'Keeffe, a 27-year-old electrician from Battersea, was attacked by four teenagers while travelling on the 344 bus to Clapham Junction at midnight on Wednesday, April 12.

But despite him being punched, kicked and stamped on for several minutes by bellowing thugs, the driver refused to even call police. Plus the CCTV was not working.

Mr O'Keeffe, who is now back at work although not fully fit, said: "I had my phone in my hand and when I looked up he just went for my phone and smacked me in the face. Then the three behind just jumped me. I was face down in the middle aisle getting jumped on for three to four minutes. I just wanted to get out alive."

He suffered a broken nose plus scars, cuts and bruises to his head, neck, back, ribs, arms and legs. His phone and keys were stolen.

The youths then got off the bus unopposed and Mr O'Keeffe staggered downstairs. He approached the driver to call an ambulance only to have insult added to injury.

Mr O'Keeffe said: "He saw me dripping blood and just started screaming, 'Get off the bus'. I tried to explain what happened but he just continued screaming, 'The bus terminates here. Stop dripping blood on the bus and get off.'"

The victim then got off the bus to go to his friend's house five minutes away. He arrived an hour later.

His friend, who did not want to be named, said: "He turned up at my place with blood pouring out everywhere. He even had footprints on his back."

Wandsworth police are appealing for witnesses. Suspects are being described as black and aged about 16 to 18. One had short-cropped hair and wore a grey hooded top.

If you have any information call Detective Constable Jenny McKinlay on 020 8247 8871 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A Transport for London spokesman said: "The safety and security of our passengers is our top priority.

"All drivers are encouraged to call in all incidents of antisocial behaviour which takes place on buses. TfL are currently investigating this incident with the bus operating company."

awestbrook@london.newsquest.co.uk

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