LONDON Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan must apologise to the bus driver who was sacked after he returned a passenger’s stolen necklace, the London Assembly has demanded.

A unanimous motion praising “hero” Mark Hehir called for an official apology and for the launch of an investigation into his June 2024 dismissal by transport operator Metroline.

On Thursday February 5, Assembly members demanded the mayor and Transport for London “apply pressure to Metroline to reinstate Mr Hehir or provide appropriate compensation” and to “set out clear guidance for transport workers protecting passengers.”

The 62-year-old driver, originally from Limerick and now living in north-west London, chased someone down who stole a passenger’s necklace before knocking the thief unconscious during the exchange.

Mr Hehir was dismissed for gross misconduct in a decision later upheld at an employment tribunal.

The Assembly members’ motion “recognises the overwhelming public concern surrounding this case.”

Mr Hehir has said he was “thrilled” about their support.

Sir Sadiq will be forced to respond to the motion formally, but will not have to accept its recommendations.

Assembly member Keith Prince said: “This is not about encouraging reckless behaviour.

“It is about whether we are comfortable with a system that punishes front-line workers for stepping in when crime happens right in front of them.”

A petition in support of the bus driver, launched after the employment tribunal decision was upheld, has received 135,000 signatures.

Mr Hehir said that he hopes for an apology from Metroline and compensation for lost wages, but said he did not want his job back.

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