A YOUNG man with special needs has been the victim of an alleged hate crime on a Solihull school bus.
It is understood the 21 year old and his carer were forced off a school bus by a group of children throwing objects at them.
West Midlands Police has launched an investigation into the crime after initially not making inquiries, according to those at the scene.
The mother of the young man posted a message on a special needs support group on Facebook.
She said: “Well done to Solihull College today. Your students forced my disabled son and his carer off a bus this morning by throwing things at them. A real credit to you.”
A police spokesperson said: “Police were alerted to a 21-year-old man being assaulted on board a bus in Solihull town centre just after 10.30am on Tuesday January 30.
“It is believed a group of people threw paper balls at the man which struck him at the back of his head several times.
“Officers have conducted CCTV enquiries and investigations remain on-going.
“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting crime reference 20SH/24008D/18.”
Police have since confirmed to us an investigation is on-going into what they regard as a hate crime.
This morning, police added: “The bus attack is classed as an assault as although there was a small amount of force used, it is still a crime.
“It is being investigated as a hate crime due to the man being autistic.
“It is part of an on-going investigation.”
The school bus contained students from Solihull College.
This morning, a spokesperson from the college said: “We take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and will work with the police to help identify those involved.
“We will do all we can to ensure any perpetrators are identified and if they are found to be college students then the situation will be addressed immediately.
“The college has recently produced a “respectful travel” update to be provided to all students through tutorials.
“Student Voice Executive Committee are working on a cross college campaign to highlight the importance of respect and tolerance for others.”
