The millionaire banker arrested in connection with the so-called 'Putney pusher' case became a target for police after they spoke to his former partner, according to reports. The suspect, a 44-year-old former British Army officer who works at a private bank, was taken into custody on Monday, June 15, 2026, nine years after the incident on Putney Bridge.
Arrest details
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm, relating to the May 5, 2017 attack in which a 33-year-old woman was pushed into the path of an oncoming bus. The driver, Oliver Salbris, managed to swerve at the last moment, saving her life. While in custody, the suspect was also arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs. He has since been bailed pending further investigation.
Ex-partner's role
According to the Times, information from the suspect's ex-partner was instrumental in securing the arrest. The suspect reportedly has ties to several European royal families. The identity of the assailant had remained a mystery since the incident sparked a years-long manhunt.
Timeline of events
The attack occurred at 7:40 am on May 5, 2017, when a jogger in grey pushed the woman onto the road. The bus driver swerved, and the jogger returned two minutes later, ignoring the victim. In August 2017, police released CCTV footage and made arrests, including a banker from Chelsea who was on holiday in California. By June 2018, after investigating 50 people of interest, the Met closed the case without charges. In April 2024, a play titled 'Once Upon a Bridge' at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes revived public interest.
Driver's account
Salbris told the Sunday Times in 2017: 'If I hadn't swerved, I would have smashed her head. It was reflex. The consequences would have been terrible for her – and for me.' The woman narrowly avoided being hit by the double-decker bus.
Ongoing investigation
A Met Police spokesperson said: 'On Monday, 15 June, a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. The arrest relates to an incident on 5 May 2017, where a woman was pushed into the path of a bus on Putney Bridge in Putney. Once in police custody, he was also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B drugs. He has since been bailed pending further investigation in relation to all offences.' The force's enquiries are continuing.
