‘In Telford for a week’: Man charged after 'bus stolen and driver attacked'

A 33-year-old man has been charged following a major incident in Madeley, Telford on Friday, where a bus was stolen and the driver assaulted.

Ali Balhad, who police say is believed to have been in the Telford area for around a week, has been charged with the following offences:

• Aggravated vehicle taking
• Assault
• Attempted grievous bodily harm
• Driving a motor vehicle dangerously
• Robbery
• Theft from a store
• Threats to kill
• Three counts of criminal damage

Balhad, who is a Yemenis national, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Telford Magistrates Court on Monday (21).

Armed officers were sent to Court Street in the Madeley area of the town on Friday evening after reports a bus had been stolen and the driver assaulted.

The vehicle was then reportedly driven into a number of cars.

The bus driver was treated for minor injuries by paramedics.