London Bus Driver Dies After Battersea Bridge Assault

A London bus driver has died after being assaulted on Battersea Bridge, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.

Sergei Krajev, 64, was taken to hospital by London’s Air Ambulance after emergency services were called to Battersea Bridge in the early hours of Monday, 18 May. Police were called at around 00:33 following reports of an incident involving a Transport for London bus driver.

The Metropolitan Police said officers performed emergency first aid at the scene before Mr Krajev was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He later died in hospital on Tuesday, 19 May. Transport for London said it was “devastated” by Mr Krajev’s death and said it is continuing to support the police investigation.

Police said the incident happened after a confrontation on the pavement while the bus was parked at a stop on Battersea Bridge. The force has now launched a murder investigation and continues to appeal for witnesses, including anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage.

A 32-year-old man, Gary Jones, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 15 June.

Mr Krajev’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as a thoughtful, tactful and conscientious person who cared about those around him. They also said he valued his role as a bus driver and maintained good relationships with colleagues.

They added that their thoughts were with other public-facing transport workers who may be distressed or alarmed by the news.

Concern across London’s bus network

The incident is likely to cause concern among bus drivers and other frontline transport workers across London, many of whom work alone and deal directly with members of the public throughout their shifts.

London’s bus network operates across the capital late into the night and early morning, with drivers often serving passengers in challenging circumstances. The death of Mr Krajev will be felt deeply by colleagues, passengers and the wider transport community.

Transport workers have repeatedly raised concerns about safety, abuse and assaults while carrying out public-facing roles. The investigation into what happened on Battersea Bridge is now continuing, with police urging anyone who saw the incident or has footage to come forward.

London Bus Forums News extends its condolences to Mr Krajev’s family, friends and colleagues.

Police appeal for witnesses

Detective Inspector Sarah Lee said police recognised the concern the incident would cause within the local community and among those working across London’s public transport network. Officers are working closely with Transport for London as part of the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 174/18May, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Transport for London statement

Siwan Hayward, Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement at TfL, said:

“We are devastated by the death of our colleague Sergei Krajev, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. We continue to support the police with their investigation into this shocking incident, and anyone with any information should contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“We take all forms of violence extremely seriously and remain committed to protecting our staff and customers across the network, taking the strongest possible action against anyone committing violence or abuse. We will not stand for any violence or aggression and will continue to do everything possible to protect everyone’s right to go to work and travel without fear or intimidation.”

London Bus Forums News will update this story as more information becomes available.