The bus driver who swerved his double-decker bus out of the way at the last minute to avoid hitting a woman who had been pushed into the road has spoken about the incident for the first time.

Olivier Salbris was hailed a “total hero” by Good Morning Britain (GMB) presenter Susanna Reid for his actions, after the female pedestrian was nearly killed on Putney Bridge, west London.

The 33-year-old victim was shoved onto the road by an unidentified jogger in May – right into the path of the bus.

View photos The woman was shoved into the road by the jogger and into the path of the bus (SWNS) More

View photos The bus driver was described as a hero for his actions (Good Morning Britain) More

But Mr Salbris’ quick-thinking managed to avoid tragedy – and now he has spoken about the man who is being sought by police.

Asked whether he thought the shove was an accident, he told GMB: “Difficult to say whether it was an accident because the guy passed another man and then went on to the lady – but I do think it was deliberate.”

He said the actions of the jogger were that of a “rugby man” and nodded when asked whether it looked like the man had rugby tackled the woman.

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He added: “She was just in his way – that’s why he did it.”

Speaking about the moments leading up to the incident, Mr Salbris revealed he was driving at just 12mph – and that a fatal collision might have occurred had he been going faster.

He said: “If she had died I would have had to live with a weight on my shoulders for the rest of my life.

View photos The jogger is still being sought by police (PA) More

“This man needs to be caught so he can explain himself, it all happened so quickly, I am just glad I was able to react in time because who knows what would have happened if I didn’t.”

The suspect is described as white, in his early to mid-30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair and was wearing a light grey T-shirt and dark blue shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.