Bus driver survives horrible explosion

Phil Waller and Tony Jones

At least 13 people were killed when the explosion tore through the back of the packed No 30 Hackney to Marble Arch bus in central London.

George Psaradakis, 49, said in a statement he was still in great shock and "many terrible things" were coming back to him about what he saw after the explosion in Tavistock Square.

However, he pledged that he and other London bus drivers would not be cowed by the terrorists.

He said: "I am just relieved to be here and to be able to see my wife and children. Many other people have not been so fortunate. I feel for the people who have perished and for their families."

And, in a statement released by his bus company Stagecoach, he added: "Myself and the other drivers in London have an important job and we are going to continue to do that as best we can.

"We are going to continue our normal lives. We are not going to be intimidated."

Mr Psaradakis's wife Andriani, said: "He is OK for now, but it has not been easy for him to see these terrible things."

The driver arrived home on Thursday night still wearing his bloodstained uniform.

Pictures of the scene showed the bus roof shorn off and blood had also spattered nearby walls.

It is feared the blast may have been caused by a suicide bomber.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach group said: "There are discussions between the police and the driver."

He added: "Those discussions are ongoing that's a matter of routine after a matter of this nature."