Woman hit in face by brick thrown through bus window

A woman will need facial and dental surgery after being hit by a brick thrown at a moving bus in Droylsden.

The passenger was struck at around 10:20pm on Monday, August 19, when the large brick smashed through the bus’s window on Ashton Road, hitting the victim in the face, and leaving glass shattered across seats and the aisle. 

GMP’s Transport Unit Crime Investigation team think there could be a link to previous incidents in the area where objects have been thrown at trams. 

“We are particularly keen to hear from members of the local community living near to St Mary's Church,” said PC Carl Kelly from the Transport Unit. “We believe that those who are engaging in this behaviour are people who have local knowledge of the area and or may live locally. 

“I am hopeful the victim will recover from her injuries, but we are lucky we are not dealing with this as a fatal incident or a person suffering life-changing injuries.  

“The brick thrown was a large brick as one can see from the photograph released as part of our appeal. 

“We are continuing enquiries in the area, and I ask residents and the wider community to be vigilant.

“I am also appealing to parents, guardians and teachers for information and to stress the dangers of such behaviours of throwing items at passing vehicles.” 

TfGM staff are also shocked by the attack and say they will do all they can to help find the culprits. 

“This was a sickening incident which could have easily left the victim with life-changing injuries or worse,” said TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager, Kate Green. 

“All customers and staff who travel or work on public transport are entitled to be safe and feel safe when travelling. Their safety is of paramount importance to the TravelSafe Partnership, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to all crime and antisocial behaviour on our networks. 

“Throwing any kind of object at public transport is extremely dangerous and not only puts passengers and the driver of the vehicle at risk, but it can also have potentially life-changing consequences for the individuals behind this thoughtless behaviour. 

“The TravelSafe Partnership will be making every effort to help the police track down those responsible and bring them to justice, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”