Hunt for bus driver convicted of death crash

Police were today hunting a bus driver convicted in his absence of killing a passenger and injuring six others in a crash.

Raouf Mraidi, 30, did not turn up in court after his red double-decker bus hit a tram and a parked BMW in Croydon, south London, in 2008.

Polish tram passenger Andrzej Tadeusz Karcz, 28, suffered fatal injuries when he was thrown through a top-floor window.

Six other passengers were taken to Mayday Hospital for treatment, mainly for cuts and bruises.

Investigators fear Mraidi, of Rotherhithe, south east London, may have fled to France despite handing his passport to police after being arrested.

The Tunisian was sentenced to four years in his absence for causing death by dangerous driving.

The crash happened shortly before 10am on September 7 last year when Mraidi's route 468 bus ran a red light and hit the tram.

It careered further down the busy shopping street, hitting several buildings before coming to a halt against the parked car.

Pc Ian Payne, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "I would like to express our thoughts and condolences to Mr Karcz's wife and family.

"Mraidi failed to attend his trial at Croydon Crown Court and inquiries continue so we can bring him before the courts."

:: Anyone with information regarding Mraidi should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.