Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
£1,000 reward to catch Glider-man
TRANSLINK is offering up to £1,000 for anyone prepared to give evidence in court after a video of a man on top of a Glider bus appeared online.
The footage, which has been circulating on social media over the last number of days, shows a male on top of a Glider which was driving down the Falls Road in West Belfast towards the city centre.
He can be heard shouting “This is actually unreal” while lying backwards on the roof of the vehicle.
Speaking to the Mirror yesterday, a spokesperson for Translink slammed the act as “extremely reckless”.
They said: “We strongly condemn this extremely dangerous act which puts lives at risk.
“The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority and we operate a reward scheme, offering up to £1,000 for anyone prepared to give evidence in court which will lead to a conviction.” A PSNI spokesperson confirmed that officers have seen the footage and are investigating.
They added: “Police have received a report relating to a video circulating on social media.
“An investigation is ongoing, and anyone with any information which can assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact 101.” Reacting to the incident, Hugh Ferrin, chairman of Metro drivers in the Unite union, said: “This sort of mindless behaviour is of huge concern to our union.
“Aside from the obvious risk of death or injury to the individual concerned, these types of incidents result in huge stress for drivers who are trying to do their job.
“This video is only likely to result in further copy-cat attempts.
“Glider buses are designed for the safe transport of the public not for an amusement ride.”