Bus driver attacked by cyclist

A Dunedin bus driver has been treated for facial injuries after a cyclist boarded his bus and attacked him last night.

The 53-year-old Citibus driver suffered multiple bruises to his face, a cut lip and shock.

The incident happened about 6pm as the driver was in North Rd, Northeast Valley, on his usual route, said Constable Rob Jones, of North Dunedin police.

The bus was waiting at a stop near Watts Rd when the cyclist dropped his bike, climbed on board and accused the driver of cutting him off earlier.

"The driver said he did not know what the cyclist was talking about, but the cyclist attacked him, repeatedly punching him about the head and face for a couple of minutes," Mr Jones told the Otago Daily Times.

The cyclist then left the bus and cycled off.

The bus was empty at the time of the attack.

There was nothing to suggest the bus driver had cut the cyclist off in George St, several kilometres away, Mr Jones said.

"Even if he had, it is no reason for the cyclist to carry out a totally unprovoked assault on a guy just doing his rounds."

- NZPA