Bus driver 'who called a passenger terrorist' held

A BUS driver has been arrested over allegations he left a passenger in tears by calling her a Islamic terrorist and accusing her of putting a bomb on his bus.

Passenger Hatice McGraffin, who was born in Turkey, made a complaint to police after the alleged incident on a First bus in West Yorkshire. She said she boarded the bus in Otley and claimed the driver began his tirade when she ignored his efforts to talk to her.

The 29-year-old caf assistant said: "He looked directly at me and said 'you are an Islamic terrorist, you have put a bomb on the bus.' Then he started swearing at me.

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"I couldn't believe it. I'm not even a practising Muslim and I'm married to an Englishman. I work hard and I try to fit in as best I can. I got off the bus and went to work, but I was so upset I couldn't get anything done. I was crying so much and my hands were shaking."

Mrs McGraffin, who was raised a Muslim, told her husband and a complaint was made to the police.

A police spokesman said a 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racial or religiously aggravated harassment and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

First Buses said a bus driver has been "removed from duty" while they investigate. A spokesman said: "This is a serious allegation made against one of our staff members. An immediate and thorough internal investigation will now take place. We will also offer our full support to West Yorkshire Police for any external inquiry they carry out with regard to this allegation."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact PC Keith Partridge on 0845 6060606.