Man charged after bus driver attacked in Madeley, Shropshire

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A 33-year-old man has been charged following an incident in Madeley in which a bus driver was assaulted and a bus was allegedly stolen and driven into several vehicles.

West Mercia Police said officers were called to Court Street at about 6.37pm on Friday 18 September. 

During the assault, the driver was forced from the bus. 

The vehicle was then driven along Park Way towards High Street, where it collided with a number of vehicles. The driver was taken to hospital for treatment but did not suffer serious injuries.

Video footage reported by news outlets appears to show the Sikh driver being struck with a ticket machine. Police have not stated a motive for the assault.

Ali Balhad has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, robbery, theft from a store, threats to kill and three counts of criminal damage. West Mercia Police said Balhad is a Yemeni national who was believed to have been in the Telford area for only around a week.

Balhad appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 September. He did not enter a plea, was refused bail and is due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 19 October. The charges remain allegations and the case is ongoing.

West Mercia Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to contact them, quoting incident 379i of 18 September 2026. The driver has asked that his privacy be respected.