Detectives appeal for information after brick thrown through bus window in Droylsden

Officers from GMP’s Transport Unit Crime Investigation team are appealing for information following after a brick was thrown through the window of a moving bus in Droylsden.

The incident occurred at around 10:20pm on Monday 19 August 2024 on Ashton Road, near to St Marys Church.

A female passenger sustained serious facial injuries as a result of the brick striking her face. The victim will require facial and dental surgery.

Officers are aware of previous incidents of missiles being thrown at passing Metrolink trams and buses at this location and this will form part of this investigation.

PC Carl Kelly, from the GMP’s Transport Unit, said: “We are particularly keen to hear from members of the local community living near to the St Marys Church. We believe that those who are engaging in this behaviour are people who have local knowledge of the area and or may live locally.

“I am hopeful the victim will recover from her injuries but we are lucky we are not dealing with this as a fatal incident or a person suffering life-changing injuries. The brick thrown was a large brick as one can see from the photograph released as part of our appeal.

“We are continuing enquiries in the area and I ask residents and the wider community to be vigilant. I am also appealing to parents, guardians and teachers for information and to stress the dangers of such behaviours of throwing items at passing vehicles.”

We are continuing our investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting the log number 3555 of 19/08/2024 and through our website Contact us | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All information will be dealt with in a confidential manner.

Kate Green, TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager, said: “This was a sickening incident which could have easily left the victim with life-changing injuries or worse.

“All customers and staff who travel or work on public transport are entitled to be safe and feel safe when travelling. Their safety is of paramount importance to the TravelSafe Partnership, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to all crime and antisocial behaviour on our networks.

“Throwing any kind of object at public transport is extremely dangerous and not only puts passengers and the driver of the vehicle at risk, but it can also have potentially life-changing consequences for the individuals behind this thoughtless behaviour.

“The TravelSafe Partnership will be making every effort to help the police track down those responsible and bring them to justice, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”