Daughter horrified after dad 'punched in head' fuelling school bus

Sophie Murgatroyd, from Knutsford, described her 'worse nightmare' learning that her 80-year-old father had been left bleeding on a garage forecourt.

School bus driver Keith, she said, had asked an employee to remove the £30 HGV exemption limit on a pump so he could put more petrol in his coach.

"The man refused," said Sophie.

"My dad is not confrontational so he went back to the bus to pay. He didn't hear the man follow him up the steps. As he leaned over to get his wallet, this man punched him on the back of his head.

Keith and daughter Sophie on one of his coaches

"He continued to punch him in the ribs and face until a member of the public dragged him off."

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The 31-year-old, a self-employed solicitor, was shocked to hear about the incident from witnesses and the police.

Sophie said: "It was my worst nightmare. I could have been getting a call that dad had died.

"I know we are all a little stressed during this fuel crisis but it doesn't give anyone the right to hurt a very frail 80-year-old man.

Keith Murgatroyd has been taking children to school since he was 17

"He is a fantastic dad, the best in the world.

"He is a true gentleman."

Sophie immediately drove to her dad's home in Harrogate and is looking after him with mum Madeleine.

"He is a local legend," she said. "He has been doing the same school run since he was 17 when my grandad Harold died.

"All his family has rallied round looking after him."

Sophie describes dad Keith as 'the best in the world'

The alleged attack happened at an Esso petrol station in north Yorkshire.

Dad-of-four Keith, also a farmer, has been running Murgatroyd Coaches since 1935.

"He was bleeding from the face and treated at the scene by the police," said Sophie. "He won't sit still and is pottering around recovering from his injuries.

"It has definitely knocked his confidence."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire police said:"A man is helping police with enquiries following the incident and the investigation is ongoing. Currently no charges have been brought."

A spokesman for ExxonMobil said: “We are sorry to learn of the incident. The current fuel crisis is difficult for all concerned and we ask everyone to treat one another with respect and understanding as we work hard to help resolve the situation. 

“We will raise the issue directly with Euro Garages.”