A DRIVER was stabbed through the hand by a man trying to steal money on the bus, which had travelled from Lakeside shopping centre.

The number 83 double decker had stopped at the last bus stop on Waterson Road in Chadwell St Mary when a young, white thug boarded at about 4.30pm on Monday.

He demanded the driver hand over money.

As the driver raised his hand in defence, the yob stabbed the driver through the hand with an eight inch carving knife.

The 46-year-old driver was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment on his injury, which was not life threatening.

The man then made off with a three figure sum of money.

These dramatic images were tweeted late on Monday afternoon by bus firm Ensignbus.

Paul Dickson, customer services manager for Ensignbus told the Gazette: "We are absolutely appalled by this cowardly attack and would ask anyone with any information to contact the local Police on 101.

"We have never seen an attack of this severity, we have never had a knife or other weapon pulled on any of our drivers let alone had one stabbed."

Ensignbus has teamed up with Crimestoppers to offer a £1,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and charge of the person responsible.

The suspect was described as 5ft 9in high wearing a grey top and scarf.

A police spokesman said: "Detectives are investigating the circumstances around this incident.

"Officers will be examining the on board CCTV as well as other cameras in the area.

"Anyone with information should contact police officers at Grays police station or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Police have confirmed they have not arrested anyone and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 

Thurrock Gazette: bus stabbing