Sponsored by
Leeds bus driver arrested over 'Muslim terrorist' jibe claim
POLICE have arrested a bus driver who allegedly called a woman passenger a Muslim terrorist and asked her if she had put a bomb on his bus.
An investigation was launched by First Buses in Leeds after Turkish-born Hatice McGraffin, 29, claimed a driver made the inflammatory remarks as she boarded her bus on Thursday morning.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of racially/religiously aggravated harassment and is currently in custody."
"We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch. Anyone with information should contact PC Keith Partridge via 0845 6060606."
First say the bus driver has been "removed from duty" while they investigate the incident.
The police spokesman added: "We are investigating this incident and are currently making inquiries. We have liaised with the bus company who have suspended an employee pending the outcome of our investigation."
Mrs McGraffin, 29, from Otley, who is married to Englishman Ian, said the incident had left her horrified and devastated.
Cafe worker Mrs McGraffin claimed he said: "You are an Islamic terrorist – you have put a bomb on the bus'. I asked people on the bus 'are you listening to this' but they ignored me.
"I am not even a practicing Muslim and I am married to an Englishman. I got off the bus and went to work but I couldn't work. I was crying so much and my hands were shaking, I had to go home.
"This is the first time this has happened to me in my life.
"There are lots of Muslim people living in this country, does he think they are all terrorists?"
A First spokesman said: "This is a serious allegation made against one of our staff members. An immediate and thorough internal investigation will now take place.
"We will also offer our full support to West Yorkshire Police for any external inquiry they carry out with regard to this allegation."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
