Hamilton Cops hunt bus thugs

Jul 10 2008 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

A BLANTYRE man received serious face and chest injuries when he was assaulted as he made to alight from a bus.

The 36-year-old had boarded the 263 or 267 First Bus service in the Bridgeton area of Glasgow about 6pm on Saturday, July 5.

During the journey to Blantyre he spoke to a group of four males who were seated in front of him on the right-hand side of the bus.

However, when he made to get off the vehicle in the area of the Parkville Inn about 7.30pm, the passenger was approached by two males, said to be aged between 24 and 27, and was punched and kicked.

The victim was later treated in Hairmyres Hospital for his injuries and subsequently released.

Detective constable Martin Lees of Hamilton Police office said this week: “It would appear that the two suspects were making a nuisance of themselves by behaving in a noisy and obnoxious way.

“The complainer made a comment about their conduct during the journey.

“As he was exiting the bus, one of them punched him on the face and the other kicked him on the body.

“I’m appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. There would have been quite a few people on the bus at the time.”

The first suspect is described as being 5ft 8ins to 6ft in height.

He had a heavy build, short dark brown hair, and was wearing a white T-shirt.

The other was 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, of slim build and with short light brown hair.

He was wearing a blue T-shirt and blue shorts with the Rangers FC logo.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact detective constable Lees on 01698 483300. Alternatively, information can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.