A murder investigation has been launched after a London bus driver was killed following an assault on Battersea Bridge.
Sergei Krajev, 64, was assaulted shortly before 12:30am on Monday 18 May in a confrontation on the pavement while his bus was parked at a stop on the bridge. Police officers called to the scene performed emergency first aid. He was taken to hospital by London’s Air Ambulance, but died on Tuesday 19 May.
Gary Jones, 32, of Hospital Bridge Road, Twickenham, was arrested at the scene. He was later charged with causing grievous bodily harm at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court and remanded in custody. The murder investigation remains open because Mr Krajev died after the charge was laid. Jones is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on Monday 15 June.
In a tribute, Mr Krajev’s family said: “We feel fortunate to have had such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather in our lives. He was a thoughtful, tactful, and conscientious person who cared about those around him. In his role as a bus driver, he was punctual, reliable and willing to help. He valued good relationships with his colleagues and approached his duties with care and dedication.”
The family also thanked the emergency services for their “care, professionalism and compassion”, and said their thoughts were with “other public-facing transport workers who may be distressed or alarmed by this news.”
Detective Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Sergei’s family, friends and colleagues after this tragic incident. We recognise the concern this will cause within the local community and among those who work across our public transport network.”
Siwan Hayward, director of security, policing and enforcement at Transport for London (TfL), said the organisation was “devastated” by Mr Krajev’s death and was supporting the police investigation. She said: “We take all forms of violence extremely seriously and remain committed to protecting our staff and customers across the network, taking the strongest possible action against anyone committing violence or abuse.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergei Krajev, and all those affected by this appalling and senseless attack.”
Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage of what happened on Battersea Bridge in the early hours of Monday to come forward. Anyone with information can call 101 quoting CAD 174/18May, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The Metropolitan Police have published a full account of the investigation.
Since Albert Bridge partially closed to traffic in February, Battersea Bridge has been one of the busiest alternative crossings in south-west London. We reported in February on the pressure that closure placed on local bridges.
