UNITE has demanded Transport for London take “immediate action” to tackle violence against staff following the death of a bus driver two days after an attack while at work.

The union’s general secretary Sharon Graham expressed her condolences today to the family of Sergei Krajev and said that “TfL and the bus companies must now swiftly introduce training for drivers on how to respond and deal with violent confrontations.

“TFL needs to take immediate action to ensure the safety of all bus workers. No bus worker should be subjected to violence while carrying out their duties.”

A driver for First Bus in his 60s, Mr Krajev was working the 49 route from Shepherd’s Bush to Clapham on Sunday when he was attacked by a man in his 30s near Battersea Bridge. The man has since been taken into police custody.

Unite said TfL only provides training to diffuse violence to Underground staff, not bus drivers.

TfL was approached for comment.