Putney pusher hunt breakthrough after nine years

A mystery that has haunted London for nearly a decade has taken a dramatic new turn. The notorious case of the “Putney Pusher” — the jogger accused of shoving a woman into the path of an oncoming bus — is back in the spotlight after police arrested a 44-year-old millionaire banker.

The shocking incident unfolded on Putney Bridge in south-west London on the morning of May 5, 2017. At around 7.40am, a 33-year-old woman was walking south along the pedestrian path during the rush hour when a jogger coming in the opposite direction appeared to push her.

In an instant, the woman was sent tumbling head-first into a busy bus lane.

Disaster was only narrowly avoided thanks to the quick reactions of bus driver Olivier Salbris. Driving the 430 route, Mr Salbris swerved his double-decker bus and brought it to a halt just inches from the woman’s head. The terrifying near-miss stunned passengers and witnesses alike.

Minutes later, at around 7.55am, a passenger left the bus in the aftermath of the incident. The victim reportedly asked a haunting question: “Why me?”

The mystery deepened when the jogger later crossed back over the bridge. As the woman called out to him about what had happened, he allegedly ignored her and continued on his way.

For months, the identity of the jogger remained unknown. Then, on August 8, 2017, police released CCTV footage in a bid to track him down.

The images sparked widespread public interest and the suspect quickly became known as the “Putney Pusher”. The footage was viewed across the country as investigators raced to identify the man.

Just days later, the investigation appeared to gather momentum. On August 10, police arrested an American investment banker living in Chelsea.

But that lead soon collapsed. His lawyers demonstrated he had been on holiday in California at the time of the incident and he was cleared of any involvement.

Two days later, on August 12, two more men — including one aged 44 — were arrested. However, they too were released without charges.

Despite extensive efforts, detectives struggled to make progress. Investigators examined more than 50 people considered potential suspects.

By June 28, 2018, more than a year after the incident, police admitted they had not gathered enough evidence to charge anyone. With no breakthrough in sight, the case was officially closed. Yet the mystery never completely disappeared.

On June 15, 2026, police dramatically reopened the investigation. Officers arrested a 44-year-old millionaire banker at his west London home on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. The suspect was later bailed until September. Police also re-arrested him on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B drugs.

The latest development has reignited interest in one of London's most talked-about unsolved cases. Questions that have lingered since 2017 are once again being asked. On June 16, 2026, Putney MP Fleur Anderson praised police for refusing to abandon the investigation. Her comments highlighted the persistence of detectives who continued pursuing leads years after the original inquiry had been closed.

The arrest marks the most significant breakthrough in the case since the incident first shocked commuters on Putney Bridge. What happens next will be closely watched as investigators continue their inquiries and the suspect remains on bail pending further developments.

Timeline: How police never gave up hunt for the 'Putney Pusher'

Millionaire banker arrested in hunt for 'Putney Pusher' who shoved woman in front of bus