Mark Hehir was sacked from his job as a bus driver in North-West London after chasing down and restraining a robber who stole a passenger's necklace in June 2024.

Mark kept the man restrained for half an hour before police arrived and arrested them both, but Mark was later released and told he would face no more police action.

The police said Mark “had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger.”

Despite his heroism, Mark was sacked from his job by bus company Metroline. Ludicrously one of their concerns was that the robber was a “customer”.

Acting quickly to help people in moments like this is difficult and even trained professionals can make mistakes. But people doing the right thing, for the right reasons when so many look the other way need our support not the rule book being thrown at them.

Now, a tribunal held in Watford has upheld the dismissal.  

As an MP I can’t make a company act differently but with public support we can shame them into doing the right thing. Mark's courage ensured the safety of his passenger and put a wrong right. Sign this petition if you agree Mark's dismissal was shameful and unjust and that Metroline should reinstate or compensate him.    

A GoFundMe has been started for him, you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mark-hehir-the-hero-bus-driver

Mark's story has been covered by multiple media outlets:  

BBC: London bus driver sacked after chasing and punching thief

The Telegraph: 'Hero' bus driver sacked after punching robber

The Times: ‘Hero’ bus driver who chased thief is sacked for misconduct

Sky News: London bus driver sacked after chasing and punching man who stole passenger's necklace