A cyclist boarded a bus in Dunedin and launched an unprovoked attack on the driver last night, leaving him with serious facial injuries.
The 53-year-old Citibus driver was treated at Dunedin Hospital for multiple bruises to his face, a cut lip and shock.
The incident happened about 6pm as the driver was in North Rd, Northeast Valley, on his usual route, Constable Rob Jones, of North Dunedin. said.
The bus, which was heading north, was stationary at the bus stop near Watts Rd when the cyclist, who was also heading north, passed by.
The cyclist said something to the driver which the driver did not catch, Const Jones said.
"The driver gave him a friendly wave and a toot. The cyclist then dropped his bike in front of the bus, climbed on board and accused the driver of cutting him off in George St.
"The driver said he did not know what the cyclist was talking about, but the cyclist attacked him, repeatedly punching him about the head and face for a couple of minutes."
The cyclist then left the bus, climbed back on his bike and cycled off.
He was described as a caucasian in his mid 30s, wearing a fluorescent yellow vest, light brown trousers and a blue and silver cycle helmet.
He was riding an old-style mountain bike.
There were no passengers on the bus.
Const Jones said North Dunedin police would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or who knew who the cyclist was.
There was nothing to suggest the bus driver had cut the cyclist off in George St, several kilometres away, he said.
"Even if he had, it is no reason for the cyclist to carry out a totally unprovoked assault on a guy just doing his rounds."
