A Bradford bus driver has been hailed a “hero” after saving a child from a potential kidnapping.

David Copley’s quick thinking and bravery prevented a boy being snatched by a mystery man while he was driving in the city in October last year.

Mr Copley, who works for First Bus, received the honour at the National Transport Awards, the premier event celebrating achievements across the industry.

He said: “I was totally flabbergasted when they read out my name as there were ten amazing finalists.”

David Copley celebrating his NTA with his colleagues. | First Bus

“This is one for all bus drivers,” David added. “They do so much every day that passengers might not notice.

“Helping customers, especially children and vulnerable passengers is really important because we (drivers) have a duty of care.”

Last year, David, who has been a First Bus driver for 19 years, came to a stop in Bradford city centre where lots of children were heading home from school.

He watched as a boy he thought to be 12 years old got off and was followed by a man leaving the bus, who put his arms firmly around the child's shoulders and made him walk towards an alleyway.

Mr Copley explained the boy looked over his shoulder to David with what he described as “the most frightening of looks”.

The bus driver got out of the cab and asked the little boy if he knew the man, which the boy did not.

The man then said: “He's with me,” referring to the child.

David Copley on stage with his wife Leanne and (left) Janette Bell, Managing Director of First Bus UK and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Jarvis. | First Bus

Mr Copley told him to let go of the boy, then led the boy back to the bus before he called the police.

By this time the man fled the scene.

While he was on the phone to police Mr Copley chased the man down the alleyway - keeping his distance, but never let him out of his sight.

He followed the suspect as he walked through multiple streets and in between houses.

Police were able to make an arrest of the man within ten minutes of arriving.

When Mr Copley returned to the bus the little boy was upset, but being comforted by his mum, which he called a “relief”.

The suspect Mr Copley helped apprehend was later charged with attempted kidnapping of a minor.

The bus driver is a father of five children and explained that some started taking the bus to school this September.

However, he said he doesn’t see himself as a hero.

He said: “I like to think that the drivers will be looking out for them.”

‘Hero’ Bradford bus driver receives national award for thwarting child kidnap attempt