A pensioner from Mitcham is complaining of a cover-up after having his car smashed into by a bus driver.

Retired London Transport bus driver Alexander Stewart is accusing Connex Buses of putting people's lives at risk by failing to identify the hit-and- run driver who hit his car.

The collision happened on April 9, at 4.20pm, shortly after the driver had turned into Rowan Road, on his way to South Croydon.

Mr Stewart said the Yaris Toyota, parked outside his home, had its front offside wing and wheel dented and the front bumper ripped off by the number 60 bus.

He said the bus failed to slow down or stop and that a passenger on the bus later told him people were yelling at the driver but he took no notice.

He said there were at least two other witnesses and one of the passengers had visited the bus garage to describe the driver.

But staff told Mr Stewart they did not know who the driver was.

He said he was appalled, adding: "I think it's terrible for a driver to hit a car and not stop. There could have been someone in it. Are they going to wait until they kill someone?"

Neighbour Vincent Parks told the Guardian he had seen the collision and the driver's failure to stop.

He said: "There was a loud bang and Mr Stewart's bumper came off the car.

"The bus did not slow down at all."

A spokesman for Connex said she was sorry about the damage to the car, adding: "We do take this kind of allegation extremely seriously and an internal investigation has been launched.

"If any of our drivers fail to report an accident it's a serious matter and Connex would take the appropriate disciplinary action."

Witnesses to the accident should call Sergeant Mick O'Rourke at Wimbledon police on 020 8649 4029.

April 30, 2003 10:00