Putney Pushing Suspect Released on Bail Following Arrest

Police investigating the notorious "Putney Pusher" incident have released a suspect on bail while enquiries continue.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on Monday in connection with an allegation that a jogger pushed a woman into the path of an oncoming bus on Putney Bridge in south-west London in May 2017.

The arrest is the fourth made in relation to the case, which attracted widespread public attention after CCTV footage appeared to show a runner shoving a pedestrian into the road before continuing his run.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that, after being taken into custody, the man was also arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs.

The Telegraph understands the suspect is a decorated former Army captain who now works as a banking executive and is believed to have family connections to several European royal houses, including the British Royal Family.

In a statement, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm.

"The arrest relates to an incident on 5 May 2017 in which a woman was pushed into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge. Once in custody, he was also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B drugs. He has since been bailed pending further investigation in relation to all offences. Enquiries remain ongoing."

The incident occurred at around 7.40am on 5 May 2017 as a 33-year-old woman was walking across Putney Bridge towards Fulham. CCTV footage appeared to show a jogger running in the opposite direction before pushing her into the path of a Route 430 bus.

Bus driver Oliver Salbris managed to take evasive action, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal collision.

Around 15 minutes later, the jogger was seen crossing the bridge again and was confronted by the woman, but reportedly ignored her and continued running.

Images released by police showing a runner wearing a grey T-shirt, dark blue shorts and grey trainers prompted an extensive investigation. Detectives interviewed around 50 men and arrested three suspects, but no charges were brought.

The inquiry was formally closed in 2018. However, police reopened investigations after new information reportedly emerged, leading to Monday's arrest.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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