A BUS was stolen from a Kidderminster depot and driven around the town centre by a joyrider who crashed into a lamppost before eventually abandoning the vehicle.

The Midland Red Mercedes 709, red and cream coloured bus was taken from Bridge Street where it had been parked with the keys left inside.

Witnesses who saw the bus being driven away said it collided with a lamppost at the junction of Bridge Street and New Road. The bus was then driven up New Road and into Oxford Street towards the ring road.

Three minutes later, the bus was found abandoned outside the Lion Hotel, Lion Street, Kidderminster, and a man was seen running away from the scene, leaving the engine of the bus still running and the lights on. The incident happened at 7.26pm on Tuesday.

The man seen taking the bus is described as a white male in his early 20s. He wore a dark T-shirt and was carrying a brown envelope in his hand.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kidderminster police on 01562 820888.