Torbay bus driver honoured with bravery award after saving man from street stabbing

Torbay Stagecoach bus driver Les Tozer has been honoured with a top bravery award after saving the life of a man in a Torquay street stabbing.

Les has been awarded a Police Public Bravery Silver Award for his actions in December 2021, when the stabbing took place on the streets along his bus route.

Having already been awarded a Commissioners Commendation from Devon and Cornwall Police, Les  was presented a second national award, honouring outstanding acts of bravery by the public,at a prestigious ceremony at the National Police Chiefs’ Council in Yorkshire by Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell from Devon and Cornwall Police and a South Yorkshire Police representative.

Les was driving a route 12 bus in Torbay when he witnessed a young man being attacked and acted quickly to alert the attackers to the camera onboard the bus which scared them away.

He got the victim and his dog on the bus and administered first aid at the same time as calling the emergency services. His outstanding and heroic actions are believed to have saved the young man's life.

Les said: “It was a very chaotic and overwhelming experience, your first aid training kicks in and you do what you can to help. I am so relieved the young man was ok.”

Each year, The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s council recognises members of the public who have risked their lives while trying to save others, often placing themselves in dangerous situations to carry out courageous and selfless acts to help protect the community.

Peter Knight, Stagecoach South West Managing Director, said: “I would very much like to congratulate Les on this outstanding achievement. I know that we are all very proud that his extraordinary actions have been recognised at this prestigious event and we commend him for his selfless actions on the night in question.”