Police investigating assault of woman pushed into road by jogger on Putney Bridge in London put out CCTV still

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

A new image of the suspect wanted over the assault of a woman pushed in front of a London bus and almost killed on Putney Bridge has been released by police.

The CCTV still of the jogger was taken from a camera onboard the number 430 bus that only avoided colliding with the woman’s head thanks to the quick reactions of its driver.

Video footage of the incident sparked outrage when it was published last month. It showed the jogger push the 33-year-old woman into the path of oncoming traffic as she walked across the bridge in west London on 5 May.

According to the Metropolitan police, the suspect came jogging back across the bridge about 15 minutes later. The woman tried to speak to him but he did not acknowledge her and continued jogging towards the north side of the river.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses and for anyone who knows the suspect to come forward. They describe him as a white man in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He was wearing a light grey T-shirt, dark blue shorts and grey trainers.

Two men, both aged 41, have previously been arrested in connection with the investigation but were released without further action.

Play Video 0:23 Jogger appears to knock woman into path of London bus – video

DS Chris Griffith, of Wandsworth CID, said: “Images of this alarming incident have been circulated widely and we continue to work through the information received to identify the man responsible.

“We are grateful to those who have assisted so far. However, I am also appealing for anyone who has given just a name to contact police or Crimestoppers again with as much information as possible so we can fully follow up those lines of inquiry.”

The bus driver, Oliver Salbris, has been described as a hero for his quick action in swerving to avoid the woman.

He told the Sunday Times he thought he was going to hit her. “If I hadn’t swerved, I would have smashed her head,” he said. “It was reflex. The consequences would have been terrible for her – and for me.”

He said the jogger “looked like he was doing it on purpose”.

“He needs to be caught and to explain himself. He needs to be prosecuted,” Salbris added.

Anyone with information should call detectives from Wandsworth CID on 020 3276 2606 or via 101, or tweet MetCC. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.