AN 80-year-old bus passenger died after she fell over when the vehicle suddenly braked.

A post mortem examination has revealed that Violet Stevens died from a broken neck and police are now appealing for witnesses.

The accident happened at about 11.30am on Friday, September 15, as the No 132 bus travelled east along Blackfen Road, Sidcup.

Police say it suddenly braked near the junction with Ramillies Road and Mrs Stevens then fell over and was seriously injured.

She was taken by ambulance to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup where she died on Tuesday, September 19.

The incident is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Collision Investigation Unit. Sgt Paul Sanders said: "We are investigating the possibility that there was a car very close to the bus at the time it braked.

"I want to speak to all the passengers who were on the bus so we can be clear about what happened."

There have been no arrests and inquiries are continuing. An inquest has been opened and adjourned pending the police investigation.

Witnesses are being asked to contact police on 020 8285 1574 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.