A BUS driver was left with facial injuries after he was ambushed and ‘horrendously’ attacked by two teenagers on board a bus.

The 54-year-old driver had parked the Stagecoach single-decker 55 bus in the bus lane in Church Place, near Faringdon Road Park, at 12.55am on Thursday, when two teenagers forced open the doors.

The driver, who does not want to be identified, moved to get out of his cab and both youths attacked him, punching him in the face and head. Both then ran off in the direction of the Railway Village and Station Road.

A Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) rapid response vehicle was called at 1.14am and arrived at 1.19am.

The injuries were not serious but he was taken to the Great Western Hospital for treatment.

Sholto Thomas, operations director for Stagecoach West, said: “It was basically an ambush in which our driver was assaulted.

“This was a particularly nasty attack.

“He is back home now but he is badly shaken.

“We would fully support the police in their search for witnesses.”

Two local men, both 17, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have been bailed pending further inquiries and police are appealing for witnesses.

Acting Inspector Chris Palframan said: “It was an unprovoked attack which was certainly horrendous for the victim and we would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

“Of course this is not something that happens every day and we do not want to scare people. For the purposes of our investigation at this time it is being treated as completely unprovoked.”

Anyone with any information should contact DC Ed Russell at Gablecross police station on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.