File image. Photo: RNZ/Leonard Powell
An investigation is underway after a woman allegedly verbally abused and hit two passengers on an Auckland bus.
Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said the "disorderly behaviour" occurred on the route 70 bus in central Auckland on Monday evening.
It comes after a teenage boy was assaulted on a bus, his teeth knocked out as a result.
The woman had already got off the bus by the time police spoke to the bus driver on Symonds Street.
"Initial reports were received about a woman being verbally abusive towards two passengers aboard the route 70 service after 6pm," Tetzlaff said.
"Police are also aware the woman may have hit these two passengers."
He said police tried to locate the woman but were not able to.
"The woman had already got off the bus at this point, and police were made aware she had boarded another bus and left the area.
"Area inquiries were made to locate this bus at the time, but these were unsuccessful."
Tetzlaff said people should be able to use public transport without being subject to such behaviour.
Police are working to locate the woman, and are obtaining CCTV footage.
They also wanted to hear from the two passengers who were hit by the woman.
Auckland Transport said it was working with police following the incident near Auckland City Hospital.
It was also providing police with footage from onboard the bus.
AT said people have a right to travel on its network without being subjected to that type of unacceptable behaviour.
It said all of its buses are fitted out with CCTV cameras, GPS and panic buttons .
Anyone with information is asked to call 105 or report it on the police website using file number 240722/1082.
