A BUS driver was left badly shaken up after being assaulted and robbed as he was locking up the yard on Saturday.

Late on 30 December, two people approached and ‘mugged’ an Express Motors driver as he was closing up the yard in Blaenau Ffestiniog on one of his last shifts of 2017.

The criminals attacked the man and then ran off with his backpack which had been in his car, leaving the driver “extremely shaken” but not badly hurt.

A spokesperson for Express Motors has urged anyone with any information to contact the police.

“It was sad enough that this was our last vehicles on the road in Blaenau Ffestiniog and then he got mugged. We really need his bag back. Not only does it contain personal belongings but we require the modules and other equipment in the bag,” the spokesperson said.

“If anyone can assist we would be very grateful.”

North Wales Police are also appealing for witnesses after the robbery.

Investigating Officer DS Steve Thomas at Porthmadog CID said: “Shortly after 11pm on Saturday 30 December a local man was locking up the gates to Express Motors yard in Glan-y-Pwll Courtyard when he was assaulted.

“During the course of the attack the offender entered the victim’s Astra car, which was parked close to the gates, and stole a black and grey ‘Head’ backpack, which contained cash and personal effects, before running off in the direction of Tan-y-Grisiau.

“Fortunately the victim wasn’t seriously injured but the incident has undoubtedly left the man extremely shaken.”

Police are now seeking witnesses to the incident or any person who has knowledge of the robbery in this close-knit community.

The man who carried out the attack is described as 6’ tall, of slim build and wearing a black hoody, some sort of black face covering and black tracksuit bottoms with a white logo. He possibly wore white Adidas trainers. He had a male accomplice who stood nearby and who also wore dark clothing.

DS Toms added: “Crimes of this nature are rare in our area and with the continued help of our communities we have to ensure it remains so.

“However we can’t tackle this problem alone and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the community sharing their concerns and information with us immediately, particularly regarding any suspicious behaviour.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact NWP via the web live chat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx and quote RC 17195521.

“Alternatively call NWP on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”