Police appeal after bus driver stabbed in Budleigh Salterton

Police in Exmouth are investigating an assault after a bus driver was stabbed in Budleigh Salterton while standing by his vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 8.20pm on Thursday, October 25 in South Farm Road, Budleigh Salterton.

The driver, a man, aged, in his mid 50’s was out of the Stagecoach bus at the time when he was approached by a man who assaulted him in a completely unprovoked attack, sustaining a stab wound to his right thigh.

The offender then ran off.

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An extensive search operation involving a police helicopter and dog unit, was launched.

DS Zoe Nowell, investigating, said: “This is an isolated incident which is very unusual for Budleigh which is a peaceful and safe place.

“The man approached the bus from the South Farm Road direction, a quiet lane which could suggest he had been waiting for the bus which was at the end of its route.

“We are not ruling out the possibility that it was an attempted robbery, as it appears the bus was targeted at what is quite an isolated location

“The driver, who has worked for Stagecoach for eight years, was well enough to give a statement last night but was clearly shocked by the incident.

“Nothing like this has every happened to him before.

“He is still in hospital this morning and it is not yet known if he will need surgery for his injury.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen someone matching the description to contact us as soon as possible as it may help us with our enquiries.

“As yet we do not know if he is from the local area but it would seem he has knowledge of the bus route which is not a main route.”

Police officers are working closely with Stagecoach and supporting the driver.

The victim was taken to the R D & E Hospital where the knife was removed, and he remains recovering in hospital.

The offender is described as being a white man, over 25 years of age, with dark shoulder length hair, slim to medium build and wearing a olive green parker style, knee length jacket.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who has any information regarding this incident and ask that they contact them on 101 quoting police reference KE/12/2499.