London bus driver dies following assault on Battersea Bridge

A murder investigation has been launched after a London bus driver died following an assault on Battersea Bridge in the early hours of Monday morning.

Sergei Krajev, 64, was airlifted to hospital after being found critically injured near a stationary bus on the south London bridge shortly after 12:30am. The Metropolitan Police confirmed he died from his injuries on Tuesday.

Police said the attack took place on the pavement outside the bus while it was stopped at a bus stop.

Mr Krajev’s family described him as a “wonderful husband, father, and grandfather” and paid tribute to his dedication both at home and throughout his career with Transport for London.

In a statement, they said he was a “thoughtful, tactful and conscientious person who cared about those around him”.

They added: “In his role as a bus driver, he was punctual, reliable and willing to help. He valued good relationships with his colleagues and approached his duties with care and dedication.”

Gary Jones, 32, from Twickenham, has previously appeared before Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court charged with causing grievous bodily harm and was remanded into custody. He is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 15 June.

Detective Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, said police recognised the concern the incident would cause both within the local community and across London’s transport network.

“We want to reassure those impacted that our officers are working closely with Transport for London as part of our investigation,” she said.

TfL said staff across the organisation had been left devastated by the incident.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement, said: “We are devastated by the death of our colleague Sergei Krajev, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”

She added that violence against transport workers would not be tolerated and said TfL remained committed to protecting staff and passengers across the network.

The incident has also prompted renewed calls for enhanced safety measures for frontline transport workers.

Unite the union has urged TfL and bus operators to introduce additional training for bus drivers on handling violent confrontations, arguing that current provisions do not go far enough.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “No bus worker should be subjected to violence whilst carrying out their duties.”

TfL responded by stating that all London bus drivers already receive conflict awareness and avoidance training as part of operator induction programmes and contractual safety requirements.