A bus driver has died after an assault on Battersea Bridge, leading to a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Sergei Krajev, 64, a Transport for London bus driver, was found injured near his stationary bus at a bus stop shortly after police were called at 00:33hrs on Monday, 18 May. He received emergency first aid at the scene and was airlifted to hospital by London’s Air Ambulance, but died on Tuesday, 19 May.
Detectives believe the assault followed a confrontation on the pavement close to the bus, which was stationary at the time.
Suspect charged and remanded
Gary Jones, 32, was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded in custody. Jones is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 15 June.
Family pays tribute to ‘wonderful husband, father and grandfather’
Mr Krajev’s family paid tribute to him, saying: “We feel fortunate to have had such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather in our lives. He was a thoughtful, tactful and conscientious person who cared about those around him. In his role as a bus driver, he was punctual, reliable and willing to help. He valued good relationships with his colleagues and approached his duties with care and dedication.”
The family added: “We are grateful to the police officers, healthcare workers and emergency services involved for their care, professionalism and compassion. Our thoughts are also with other public-facing transport workers who may be distressed or alarmed by this news.”
Police investigation and appeal for witnesses
Detective Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or mobile phone video to come forward. “Our thoughts are with Sergei’s family, friends and colleagues after this tragic incident,” she said. “We recognise the concern this will cause within the local community and among those who work across our public transport network. We want to reassure those impacted that our officers are working closely with Transport for London as part of our investigation.”
Police are asking witnesses to call 101 quoting reference CAD 174/18May, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Metropolitan Police said they are working with Transport for London to tackle violence against transport workers. Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement, condemned the incident and stated that violence and aggression towards transport staff would not be tolerated.
Official figures reveal a rising trend in assaults on bus drivers. In 2024, there were 818 physical assaults and hate crimes reported against bus drivers in London, up from 679 in 2023 – a 20% increase. Up to mid-August of this year, 431 incidents had already been reported. Earlier data showed 895 assaults in 2020, compared with 821 in 2019 and 761 in 2018. Racially motivated assaults on bus drivers also rose, from 137 in 2018 to 235 in 2020.
The trade union Unite described the figures as “disgraceful” and said assaults are a “daily occurrence for thousands of Unite members driving buses in the capital.”
In response, TfL has published its first pan-TfL Work-related Violence and Aggression strategy, which includes the rollout of body-worn video for directly employed staff and the recruitment of Transport Support and Enforcement Officers. The Roads and Transport Policing Command prioritises investigations into offences against transport workers and provides support to victims.
Beyond violent assaults, TfL’s Bus Safety Programme aims to achieve zero deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041, with a specific target of no one being killed by or on a London bus by 2030. However, bus safety remains under scrutiny: in 2024, 13 people were killed in collisions involving London buses, and concerns have been raised about driver fatigue, with studies indicating a significant number of drivers reporting near-misses due to fatigue, and some admitting to falling asleep at the wheel. TfL has introduced a Bus Safety Standard for new buses, incorporating features to improve vehicle safety and assist drivers.
Previous attacks on bus drivers have also drawn attention. In a 2012 incident in Barnet, a bus driver suffered a fractured eye socket after an attack by two passengers following a fare dispute, which was documented in a widely circulated YouTube video.
