CCTV video has been released of the moment a bus driver stepped in to save a guide dog from a terrifying attack.
Richard Moon, from Huddersfield, showed no fear when he pulled the vicious bull terrier away after it launched the attack as passengers disembarked from his bus in February.
Now CCTV has been released showing the incident - and Richard's heroic actions, for which he received an Examiner Community Award nomination.
The guide dog, a five-year-old black labrador retriever cross called Mick, suffered a nasty gash but was still able to work after the incident, which took place on board the 306 bus in Newsome Road.
Richard was praised for his heroic actions, which could have saved the life of the dog, by its owner and bus company First.
It is the first time an attack on a guide dog has been known to take place on one of its buses.
Richard told how he acted on his pet owner’s instinct to protect the animal.
Speaking in February, Richard, who has worked for the company since 2002, said: “It all happened very quickly.
“When I heard the commotion I immediately leapt out of my cab.
“I have three dogs of my own, so it was fairly obvious to me that the dog was intent on seriously injuring the guide dog.
“I was also fearful that the guide dog owner or some of my other customers would get injured in the fracas.
“So I immediately jumped in and managed to pull the aggressive dog away.
“The dog and its owners left the bus and I tended to the guide dog and its owner.
“Both seemed shaken by the incident and it looked like the guide dog had suffered some injuries.
“However, it could have been much worse.”
Mick’s owner, David Quarmby, 65, from Newsome, applauded Richard for coming to his aide’s rescue before serious harm was caused.
He said: “It was a very frightening experience and one that left both Mick and I a little traumatised.
“If it wasn’t for Richard’s quick intervention Mick could have been seriously injured.
“Mick suffered a nasty gash, but he recovered very quickly and fortunately too he has avoided any psychological scars.
“I’ve always been impressed by First’s bus drivers, they always make sure I’m well looked after.
“However, I would never have expected a driver to put himself in danger, as Richard did.
“His actions were heroic.”
