Police have launched an investigation after a disabled man was reportedly targeted and harassed by a group of schoolchildren at Harrow Bus Station on Monday, 17 March, around 5pm.

The incident, which occurred on a Route 182 bus, saw the man desperately seeking refuge onboard as two youths allegedly chased and attempted to attack him, according to a witness account.

“A disabled guy quickly got inside the bus, trying to close the bus doors, asking the driver to close them and go because some school kids (two of them that I saw) were running behind him and trying to attack him,” the witness told reporters.

The children, believed to be around 12 years old, reportedly tried to force their way onto the bus, even attempting to open the rear doors manually from the outside.

“They were trying to push the door to get in. One of them even tried to open the outside bottom of the back doors, while the disabled guy was begging for help,” the witness said.

As the situation escalated, the children allegedly punched and kicked the doors, causing damage to the vehicle.

“During these kicks and punches on the door, it broke the door,” the witness added.

Shocked and distressed, the man was reportedly visibly shaken and told the witness that the youths had been targeting him.

“He was very upset and shaking, telling me the kids were after him — he kept repeating it.”

Despite the chaos, the witness said other passengers did not intervene, and many simply exited the bus as the scene unfolded. Glass was later seen scattered on the road near the bus stop.

TfL and Police Response

Transport for London (TfL) has responded to the incident with concern. Rosie Trew, Head of Bus Service Delivery, said:

“We are very concerned to hear about this incident. The safety and welfare of people on our network is our top priority, and this will have been a distressing incident for everyone involved.”

TfL confirmed that station staff checked on the welfare of the passenger once the incident was brought to their attention. The bus operator, Metroline, is assisting in the investigation, and CCTV footage from the bus has been obtained and handed over to the police.

Trew added:

“We do not tolerate any abuse or harassment against our passengers or staff, and we encourage anyone with further information about this incident to come forward to us or to the police.”

TfL also clarified that bus drivers are trained to remain in the cab and call for assistance during such incidents, as part of safety protocols.

Appeal for Information

Police are now urging any witnesses or individuals with further information to come forward to aid the investigation. Members of the public can contact authorities directly or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses.