A BUS driver was racially abused and repeatedly punched when he tried to challenge passengers' tickets.

Police are investigating the incident which happened at around 9.25pm on Tuesday, as the Stagecoach bus on the number two route stopped in Bishopswood Road, Tadley.

A man and woman tried to board the bus with an invalid ticket.

When the 49-year-old bus driver challenged them, he was verbally abused, with reference made to his race, before being punched repeatedly by the man.

The man and woman then walked off and away from the bus.

The victim suffered bruising but did not need hospital treatment.

The man is described as being white, aged between 18 and 20 years, of medium height and average build. He had medium length brown hair and was clean shaven.

The woman is described as being white and of a similar height to the male.

Investigating officer PC Barbara Bradley said: “This was a nasty assault on a bus driver who was just going about his job.

“The two people who tried to board the bus may live in Basingstoke, as the invalid ticket they produced was issued earlier that day in the town.

“We would also like to speak to the only other passenger on the bus, a woman who got on at the Heath End/Bishopswood Lane junction, who is believed to live locally to Tadley.

“We would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, and has yet to come forward, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Bradley at Tadley police station on 101, quoting 44160250490.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.