A BUS driver who was sacked after he chased down a thief to return a passenger’s stolen necklace has called on Metroline to apologise.

Thousands have signed a petition to support Mark Hehir, 62, who was fired after he chased someone who stole a passenger’s necklace before knocking them out in self-defence when they returned.

Mr Hehir, who worked in north-west London but is originally from Limerick, Ireland, said public support has been “incredible” since an employment tribunal upheld Metroline’s decision.

“I’d be very happy if Metroline made an apology and just admitted that they might have got it wrong,” he said.

“I’d like them to compensate me for lost earnings, that’s important.”

Asked if he would accept his job back, Mr Hehir said: “Absolutely not, you cannot work for a company that treats its staff like that.”

Mr Hehir, who described driving a bus as “an underpaid tough job,” said the support he has received online has been “incredible.”

He said that after the 2024 incident, he spent six days in hospital due to an infection from the guy’s tooth.

“Even in that time I was still employed by the company, not one person… rang me to ask how I was, and I thought that was a disgrace,” he said.

“I did get some help from the union, but that can only go so far.”

Unite warned today that violence towards bus drivers is “a massive issue and incidents are increasing.”

“The problem is made worse as the vast majority of bus companies do not take the issue seriously and in many areas of the country the police are failing to act or even monitor the problem,” a spokesperson told the Morning Star.

A Metroline spokesperson said: “The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair.”