Bus driver punched in head after telling passenger to wear mask

The driver has since been discharged and has made a full recovery

Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to (Metropolitan Police)

A passenger punched a bus driver after he requested him to wear a mask in northwest London.

Police released a CCTV image on Thursday of a man they want to speak to in connection with the assault, which took place in Harrow, and urged the public to come forward with information.

The incident happened at around 4pm on 5 May, when masks were mandatory indoors and on public transport, the Metropolitan Police said.

Officers were called to North Harrow underground station, where the driver, in his thirties was found injured outside.

London Ambulance Service paramedics and the police attended to the driver who was later taken to a hospital and received treatment for a head injury.

The driver has since been discharged and has made a full recovery.

Face masks are no longer a legal requirement indoors and on public transport in England since 19 July. But London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, said Transport for London (TfL) would continue to enforce the wearing of face masks in the capital after restrictions are eased.

Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating and have recovered CCTV from the bus.

Anyone who recognises the man in this image is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4594/05May.

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.