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Police have released images of men they want to speak to after two passengers allegedly smashed a safety screen and assaulted a Birmingham bus driver.

The driver of the number 31 bus was heading from Birmingham towards Solihull around 11.45pm on Valentine’s Day when he was asked by a pair of passengers to stop at a random location.

The 64-year-old driver refused and when he stopped at a bus stop on Camp Hill, the duo allegedly smashed the safety screen and assaulted him.

Officers investigating the incident have released half a dozen CCTV images of people they want to speak to with an appeal for information.

A statement by Birmingham Police said: “The 64-year-old was attacked by two passengers when he refused to stop the bus at a random location on 14 February.

“When he stopped the bus at the nearest available bus stop on Camp Hill in Birmingham, the duo launched into an attack - smashing the safety screen to assault him.

“The incident happened on the number 31 National Express travelling from Birmingham towards Solihull at 11.45pm.

“CCTV has been released of the suspects and the people they were travelling with. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101.

“To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20BW/40016Q/18.”

Last August, West Midlands were issued with mini DNA kits to help police track anyone who spits at them or their passengers.

The spit kits – which feature swabs, gloves and sealed bags – allow staff to take saliva samples and protect them from contamination before sending them for forensic analysis.

If the suspect is not on police computers, their DNA is kept on the National Database for ever. The case will be resurrected if the suspect is later arrested.

Tom Stables, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands, said: “My staff have the absolute right to work without being spat on. We will pursue anyone who is guilty of this revolting behaviour. These DNA kits mean we can help Safer Travel Police track these people down, stop them and make sure they face justice.”