Man and woman wanted after Preston-bound bus attack

CCTV pictures release by police of a man and woman they wish to speak to

Police want to speak to passengers after a attack on a Preston-bound bus.

Two women were assaulted and verbally abused on the X2 Stagecoach service between Southport and Preston.

Around 7.10pm on Wednesday 12 July a woman, 56, and her 39-year-old daughter were confronted by a man and woman who police say were under the influence of alcohol.

When the bus stopped near the New Fleetwood pub in Bank police say the pair subjected the woman and daughter to verbal abuse.

There was a verbal exchange before an attack took place

The mother was dragged off the bus by her hair by the woman, she is also accused of dragging the daughter into a bush.

Lancashire Police then say the man punched the mother in the face.

PC 4037 Dave Rigby from Tarleton Police said: “The two victims are understandably shaken by their ordeal which began after a complaint to the bus driver about noisy, aggressive group of passengers who were banging on the floor of the top deck and shouting.

“We need anyone who recognises these people to come forward and speak to us. Similarly if you were on the bus at the time and have any information that could assist with our investigation, please get in touch.”

Police say the woman is described as white, in her late 40s, with shoulder length brown hair.

She was wearing a white top, orange trousers, an orange scraf and had orange painted fingernails.

The man was white, around 5’6″, stocky building with short brown and greying hair and facial stubble. He was wearing a navy blue t-shirt.

Anyone with information cal call 101 quoting log 1467 of July 12th.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.