Local bus driver hailed a hero after stopping female motorist being attacked

A National Express bus driver is in the running for an international safety prize after he stopped a woman being attacked and robbed.

Muhammad Shahid Mahmood has been nominated by his depot colleagues for a National Express Group Values Award after bravely scaring away a thief.

Whilst driving the number 5 bus between Birmingham and Solihull in September last year, Muhammad noticed something wrong ahead of him on Robin Hood Lane.

A man was attacking a female motorist and trying to take her mobile phone.

After safely securing his bus, Muhammad got out and shouted at the attacker to try and make him stop – the man ran away.

Muhammad, joined by a few of his passengers, went to make sure the woman was alright and called the police. He then rejoined his bus and continued the route as normal.

Colleague Frank McNamee says: “There’s no doubt that Muhammad’s intervention during the robbery stopped the crime and made the perpetrator flee the scene.

“Despite this, Muhammad was very modest about his brave behaviour on that day. That didn’t surprise us at Acocks Green – he’s a very pleasant driver and he is very well liked at our garage.”

Muhammad has been driving buses from National Express’ busy Acocks Green garage for almost nine years. He has already won a National Express Bus Safety award for his bravery and now he’s been put forward for the company’s international final.

He will find out whether he’s beaten National Express colleagues from Spain, Bahrain, America, Germany and across the UK at a gala evening at London’s UnderGlobe on 27th April 2017.