Bus 'drove on after hitting woman'

First say an inquiry is taking place into the incident

A bus driver has been suspended pending an inquiry into claims that he drove off after knocking over a blind woman.

The 88 bus was travelling through the Bedminster area of Bristol on Thursday morning when the accident happened at a crossing.

It is alleged that several passengers got out to help the woman but that the bus driver left the scene.

Transport group First said the driver reported the incident on his arrival in the city centre. The company added that the woman did not need medical treatment.

Alex Perry, managing director of First, said: "We understand at the moment - and an investigation is ongoing - that about 11am our driver was stationary at a pedestrian crossing, we believe."

'City centre'

"The lights changed to green and the driver pulled away but failed to see a blind lady who was crossing the road at the time.

"He stopped and, according to witnesses who have contacted the company, it is alleged that he failed to get out of the cab to see to the lady.

"Other passengers got off the bus to see to the lady and then, for reasons yet unknown, the driver of the bus left the scene.

"When the bus driver got to the city centre, he left the bus and reported it to one of our inspectorate staff.

"As soon as we became aware of the incident we notified the police as we were unsure whether our own driver had reported the incident or not.

"Our driver is currently suspended and an investigation is taking place."