A TEENAGER'S face was left badly bruised following an assault on a bus.

The 14-year-old youth was punched on the left side of his face while travelling on the number 1 Thamesdown bus service, which runs between Middleleaze and Covingham, on Saturday, March 13 at 9.25pm.

Closed circuit television cameras installed on the bus captured the man police are hoping to trace in connection with the assault.

The man is described as European, white and of medium build and about 5ft 8ins.

He had short brown hair, was unshaven and speaks with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a brown leather jacket and black jeans.

The reason why the attack took place is unknown, although the victim and the attacker were talking during the bus journey.

Shortly after the conversation the attacker threatened to ram a hat down the victim's throat. He then went over to the victim and hit him on the face.

The trouble is believed to have started shortly after the bus left the Link Centre in West Swindon.

John Owen, the managing director of Thamesdown Transport, said: "We take a serious view of crime on our buses and with CCTV on an increasing number of buses, it is now more likely for them to be caught."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swindon police on 01793 528111.