Bus passenger says driver was a hero after necklace theft

A passenger said the bus driver who recovered her necklace and intervened when she felt threatened 'didn't deserve' to be sacked; an employment tribunal later upheld the dismissal.

A passenger boarding a north-west London bus had a necklace snatched; the driver, Mark Hehir, pursued the suspect, recovered the jewellery and intervened when the passenger said she felt threatened. He detained the suspect until police arrived; officers later said no further action would be taken and a police case review described the use of force as proportionate. Metroline dismissed Mr Hehir and an employment tribunal later upheld that dismissal, and the case has drawn public and political attention. Key facts: - The incident occurred on June 25, 2024, on the 206 route between Wembley and Maida Vale. - The driver recovered the necklace and detained the suspect; police arrested both men and later confirmed the driver would face no further action. - A police case review concluded the force used was proportionate and necessary in defence of the passenger. - An employment tribunal upheld Metroline's decision to dismiss the driver; the case prompted petitions, fundraising and comments from MPs. Summary: The tribunal ruling and the driver's dismissal have left the passenger distressed and prompted widespread public and political attention. Undetermined at this time.