London bus driver dies after assault on bridge

Family handout

A London bus driver, described by his family as a "wonderful husband, father, and grandfather", has died after he was attacked on Battersea Bridge.

Sergei Krajev was taken to hospital by air ambulance after being found critically injured on the south London crossing at about 00:30 BST on Monday.

The Metropolitan Police said the 64-year-old died on Tuesday and a murder investigation had been launched.

Gary Jones, 32, of Hospital Bridge Road, Twickenham, has previously appeared in court charged with causing grievous bodily harm and was remanded in custody.

Police previously said the assault had happened on a pavement outside the bus, which had been stationary at a stop.

His family also said in a statement that the Transport for London (TfL) driver was a "thoughtful, tactful, and conscientious person who cared about those around him".

They added: "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."

Det Insp Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, 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."

She added the force was "continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward".

Jones was remanded in custody when he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He is next due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 15 June.

On Monday Siwan Hayward, director of security, policing and enforcement at TfL, said: "Our thoughts are with the bus driver, his family and his friends following this shocking incident."

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