A factory worker suffered a terrifying ordeal on a bus after a robber threatened to beat him up unless he handed over his cash.

Paul Heward, of Odsal, has blasted the driver and passengers for not coming to his aid despite the thug hurling a string of abuse at him and fleeing with his money.

The 24-year-old was returning home after seeing his grandmother in Wyke.

Mr Heward had just got on the number 627 Bradford Traveller service and sat down at the back when a man jumped on to the bus telling the driver he wanted to see a friend.

The man, dressed in dark trousers and a top, asked another passenger for cash then approached Mr Heward.

"He just started to harass me and asked me for my money," he said. "All I could see was that he had a snooker cue case in his hand and he was so threatening I just thought he was going to use it.

"I was sitting next to the emergency exit door. He watched me look at it. He told me I would get hurt if I tried to escape."

He said he reluctantly handed over £40 in cash during the incident on Wednesday night. He added: "I am really disgusted because the driver did not radio anyone to help me.

"I'm scared this is going to happen again and I am not getting on a bus unless it is packed with people.''

Wibsey Councillor Keith Thomson, who has been campaigning for the return of bus conductors, said: "My personal view is to restore conductors who can keep an eye out for trouble and also help passengers on and off the bus."

Bradford Traveller transport manager Khadim Hussain said: "I am not aware of the incident. and we will investigate."

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