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Police to probe bus ‘outburst’

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A bus driver is alleged to have shouted abusive comments at mourners at the funeral of Britain's longest-serving minister.

Over 400 people attended the funeral of the Rev Leslie Olsberg, minister at Heaton Park Synagogue, last Sunday at Rainsough Cemetery in Prestwich.

Some of those present said that when the driver of the 93 bus could not get through the crowds, he wound down his window and began shouting insults. One mourner claimed the driver shouted: "You people think you own everything."

The incident was reported to the Community Security Trust who then reported it to Greater Manchester Police. They have now launched an investigation.

A spokesman for the CST said: "There were lots of people and lots of cars and the bus couldn't get through.

"I understand the driver shouted words to that effect and that many people heard it."

A Greater Manchester police spokeswoman confirmed that the alleged incident had been reported and added: "Officers are investigating the exact nature of the complaint, and take all such incidents where a hate incident could have occurred very seriously. Inquiries are ongoing."

The bus operator, First, would not confirm whether the driver had been suspended from duty. A spokesman for the company said: "The driver has been interviewed and a full investigation is under way."

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