Two men fled empty-handed after a bus driver pushed a panic button when they threatened him with a knife and demanded he hand over cash.
The driver was left badly shocked after the men - the last two passengers on his bus - pulled out a three inches long blade as they got off.
The attempted robbery happened as the Arriva 373 service pulled into Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon, just before 7pm on Thursday night.
The driver, a man in his 40s from Grays, was unhurt but shocked. He was later able to give a description of one of the men to police. The knifeman was aged in his early 20s, of eastern European appearance and spoke with a foreign accent. He had short, dark hair.
Police want to speak to anyone who may have seen the men during the bus journey, which started in Romford at about 5.55pm and was going through to Grays.
Officers at Grays can be contacted on 01375 391212 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Tuesday August 27, 2002
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