POLICE are investigating a theft of cash in Bradford where a bus driver is believed to have been duped into leaving his seat.

The incident took place on First Bradford 645, Greengates to Buttershaw service at around 3.35pm today in Otley Road, Bradford.

An anonymous witness who was a passenger on the bus said a youth got on at the bus stop and ran upstairs without paying. They said the driver went after him and then another youth is said to have opened the driver’s door and stolen the cash takings while the driver was absent.

Passengers were asked to get off the bus and wait for another service to come along as the driver waited for police to arrive.

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed reports of the theft and said they are making inquiries.

“As yet we do not know how much money was stolen,” a police spokesman said.

Colin Brushwood, operations manager at First Bradford, said:

“We can confirm that an incident of theft took place on board the 645 service on Monday, February 20, in Bradford. We are now working with the police to identify the individual involved and would urge anyone with further information to get in touch immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to ring police on 101.