This is the moment a bus passenger was temporarily blinded with pepper spray and subjected to a barrage of punches, knees and kicks – just for asking a man to stop his two children from throwing sweets at him.

Police have released the CCTV footage of the incident, taken from the top deck of a No 24 bus as it travelled along Birmingham’s Broad Street on January 11, to trace the individuals involved.

Police want the public’s help identifying this man (Picture: West Midlands Police)

The victim suffered a ‘prolonged beating’ from the man seen in the footage, as the suspect and a woman with him launched physical and verbal outbursts over a seven-minute period.



The 21-year-old sustained a badly broken nose in the incident as well as other facial injuries.


PC Rob Harper of West Midlands Police dubbed the attack ‘barbaric’, especially as it took place in full view of the two children.

This woman is wanted in connection with the incident (Picture: West Midlands Police)

‘The man was minding his own business when he politely asked the group to stop throwing sweets at him – but that request prompted a barbaric, prolonged attack,’ he said.

‘At one stage the attacker stands on a seat to get a better kicking angle, whilst the woman he was with also occasionally joined in the assault. The victim was lucky to escape with only a broken nose as it could have been much worse.’

Anyone with information about the attack, or believes they recognise the attackers, is urged to call police on 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111