Petition Surpasses 100,000 Signatures Calling for Reinstatement of Bus Driver Who Tackled Mugger

A petition demanding the reinstatement of Mark Hehir, a 62-year-old London bus driver, has now exceeded 100,000 signatures following his dismissal for tackling a mugger on his bus.

Mr Hehir, who worked in North-West London, chased and restrained a robber who stole a passenger’s necklace in June 2024. He held the man for half an hour until police arrived. Officers later confirmed that he had used force proportionate and necessary to defend himself and the passenger, and no further police action was taken against him.

Despite this, the bus company dismissed Mr Hehir, suggesting that the incident could have been misinterpreted and claiming he had brought the company into disrepute.

The petition was started by MP Kieran Mullan, and a GoFundMe page for Mr Hehir has raised over £20,000 to support him.

Supporters say the case highlights the challenges frontline workers face when intervening to protect passengers and are calling on the company to reverse its decision.