The Arriva driver was punched in the face by a man wearing a chunky sovereign ring, leaving him bruised and with blurred vision.

Doctors have told him he may need an operation on the back of his eye if his sight does not improve.

The attack happened at 5.30pm on Wednesday as the Number 1 bus was parked in a dimly-lit stop in Blackgate Road, Shoebury.

A young man walked onto the bus, threatened him and demanded money.

The 24-year-old driver, who asked that the Echo only give his name as Christopher, gave the attacker the metal float containing more than £100.

However, the man still punched him in the face.

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