Concerns after bus flame attack

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Translink is considering reviewing security on its long-distance bus services after one of its drivers was set alight during a robbery.

It happened when the man stopped his Ulsterbus Goldliner at Ballywillan Road, Portrush, on Friday night.

Before leaving the bus, a man demanded money and when the driver refused he poured liquid on him and set him alight, damaging his clothes.

Translink's Bill Telford said drivers' safety was of paramount importance.

"This is a very unusual incident on our long distance expresses," he said.

"(Drivers) don't have protection, but this is something we are going to have to consider in the future."

Mr Telford said the driver had completed his run to Portrush from Monaghan and had agreed to give the man a lift further along the road because of the poor weather.

"The driver had agreed to give the man a lift up the road on his way back to Coleraine as it was raining," he said.

"The passenger had thought because there was no-one else on the bus he would try to rob the driver."

His attacker is described as having very short hair and was wearing jeans and a stud earring.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.