Bus man knifed in 'race attack'

A builder was stabbed to death on a night bus in what his father has claimed was a racist attack.

Roofer Billy Ward, 21, had been making his way home after a night out when he become involved in an argument with two men.

Friends of the victim said the attackers began hitting him on the head before following him from the top deck of the bus and starting a fight.

The brawl spilled over on to the pavement as the bus pulled over. Mr Ward was found shortly afterwards bleeding from stab wounds having been knifed in the chest.

He was taken by ambulance to Mayday Hospital in Croydon but was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

His father, Bill Ward, 52, said the murder was racially motivated. He said: "He was picked because he was white. This was a racist attack. They started on him because they thought he would be a push-over but my son stood up to them.

"The police had better catch his killers before I get hold of them."

The 21-year-old had been travelling on the N159 night bus home from Croydon in the early hours of Saturday when he was involved in the row. Witnesses said he had not realised he had

been stabbed until he removed his top and saw blood pouring out.

A teenager has been charged with his murder.

Anyone who witnessed the stabbing or has information is asked to phone 020 8721 4805.