A JOINER has been left "sickened" after a stolen bus crashed into the van he uses for work before driving off.
Eric Bowden, 65, was shocked when a knock on the door from a witness informed him that his vehicle had been damaged in the collision early on Sunday afternoon shortly after midday (September 9).
The van, which was parked on Bishop Road, Dentons Green, sustained damage on one side to its door and wing mirror, leaving a pile of debris on the road.
The bus, which was later recovered on nearby Oxford Street, had been stolen from Ogden's depot on Baxters Lane in Sutton.
"A girl came knocking on our front door and said a coach had hit your van and driven off," said Eric, who is self-employed and has been a joiner since he was 15.
"There is quite a bit of damage to the door and wing mirror.
"I was absolutely shocked it has happened. It has taken me back and I can't get to work in it, it is sickening. I only got the van last December.
"I have lived here for 35 years and we had no trouble until 18 months ago when a motorbike had hit a van and now this one."
The van after it was hit
Police say they are appealing for information following the incident and are hunting the "reckless" thief.
CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact officers.
Community Inspector Matt Drennan said: “Thankfully no one was injured during this incident however this reckless behaviour could’ve resulted in someone being seriously hurt.
"We are keen to speak to anyone in the area of Baxters Lane, Bishop Road, or Oxford Street that may have witnessed or have dashcam footage of the white single decker bus at the time of the incident and would urge them to get in touch. We are determined to locate those responsible and any information, no matter how small could assist our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.
People can also call 101 quoting incident reference 18200189845 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information
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