Believes Oliver Salbris the hero driver who swerved to avoid floored pedestrian


Oliver Salbris with his 430 bus at Putney bus depot

Oliver Salbris was driving the number 430 bus over Putney Bridge on 5 May when a jogger appeared to push a female pedestrian off the pavement into the south bound bus lane.

Quick thinking Mr Salbris managed to steer his double-decker bus away at the last second, missing the unnamed victim by inches. The driver is pleased to have been a hero, he was just doing his job.

Two men have been arrested but released with out charge and police continue to search for the mystery man. Mr Salbris said " I was focusing on the road and I just saw the collision between the jogger and the woman. It was a fairly close call. I thought I was going to touch her. If I hadn’t swerved, I would have smashed her head. It was reflex – and I would say thanks to God.’"

He told thsi website that he was pleased to have been able to react the way he did on the day and that there was no serious injury to the lady. Mr Salbris believes that the joggers actions were intentional, as he avoided a male pedestrian seconds before: "He needs to be caught and to explain himself. He needs to be prosecuted."

Go Ahead London MD, John Trayner, told this website that he: "Is very proud of him, as without his swift actions the outcome could have been very different".

At about 7.40am on Friday, 5 May the 33-year-old victim was walking across Putney Bridge on the east side heading in the direction of Fulham towards Putney Bridge Tube Station when a male jogger knocked her over into the road and into the path of an oncoming bus, which narrowly missed hitting her.

The bus stopped and some passengers got off and rushed to the victim's aid. She received minor injuries from the incident.

About 15 minutes later the jogger came back the other way across the bridge. The victim tried to speak to him but he did not acknowledge her and carried on jogging.

CCTV still of the man police wish to speak to

Officers are still appealing for any witnesses to the incident or anyone who recognises the jogger in the CCTV to get in touch. Anyone with information or any witnesses are asked to call Putney Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8785 8874 or 101 or tweet @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

September 13, 2017