The Metropolitan Police have never solved the perplexing and alarming case of a jogger who pushed a woman into the path of a moving bus on a South London bridge, leaving a mystery that remains unresolved to this day.
The Incident on Putney Bridge
This disturbing event occurred on Putney Bridge at approximately 7.40am on May 5, 2017. A jogger, described as wearing a t-shirt and shorts, was running when he came into contact with a 33-year-old woman walking in the opposite direction. In a sudden and violent act, he shoved her, causing her to fall into the road directly into the path of an oncoming bus.
Miraculously, the bus driver managed to swerve at the last second, averting what could have been a catastrophic outcome. The jogger then continued running without stopping, only to return over the bridge about 15 minutes later. According to detectives, the victim attempted to speak to him during this return, but he did not acknowledge her in any way.
Police Investigation and Suspect Description
At the time, police described the suspect as a white man in his 30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair. Despite an extensive investigation that involved reviewing around 50 potential individuals, no arrests were ever made. The Met Police have stated that all lines of enquiry have been exhausted, leading to the closure of the case.
A spokesperson for the Met Police commented, “All lines of enquiry have been exhausted and the investigation has been closed. As with all investigations, any new information or evidence that comes to light will be assessed and acted on accordingly.” They urged anyone with information to contact police by calling 101 and referencing the case with South West CID.
The Lingering Mystery
This case has left many questions unanswered, with the so-called Putney pusher still at large. The lack of a clear motive or resolution has turned it into a haunting South London mystery, highlighting the challenges police face in solving such random and violent acts.
The closure of the investigation means that, unless new evidence emerges, this incident will remain one of the area's unsolved crimes, a reminder of the unpredictability of public safety and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address such threats.