Inspector: I'm scared to do my job

One of the five ticket inspectors suspended for refusing to work on the "bendy buses", saying they are too dangerous, spoke out today.

The inspector, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "We are frightened to get on the buses to check tickets. I have been punched and assaulted - we all have.

"You get an army of people who just refuse to pay. You ask them for their ticket and they just look at you and say 'f*** off, it's a free bus.'"

Transport for London suspended the five for disobeying "reasonable management instruction" to work in pairs after previously working in groups or five or six, sometimes backed by police.

The RMT union has threatened strike action unless they are allowed back to work, given a full apology, a safety assessment, and are assured they do not have to work in pairs again.

A decision on their fate is expected within days.