A BUS driver who verbally abused a boy with autism has been subject to ‘disciplinary’ action after an investigation.

Eleven-year-old Liam Dilley, who has Asperger syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), was laughed at for struggling to get his words out and mocked through the use of a deeply offensive word at Leigh bus station on July 2.

First Manchester launched an investigation into the claims and has now apologised for the ‘very regrettable incident’.

Hardik Modha, First Manchester operations manager, said: “Our driver accepts the use of this word is unacceptable and he has expressed his sincere regret for the upset this has caused.

“He has been subject to our disciplinary process with appropriate action taken and I have expressed my sincere apologies to Ms Dixon for the unacceptable behaviour.

“We believe this is an isolated incident, we have policies in place regarding equality as treating staff and customers with dignity at all times is important.

“We will be making a personal visit to Ms Dixon and her son in the future to express our personal apologies for this very regrettable incident.”

Liam’s mum Liz Dixon, from Tyldesley, said: “Words can be very damaging, something that you say in one second can have great impact. People with autism have a hard enough time trying to fit into society, so he should be very careful with his words in the future.

“All bus drivers should have training to support people with both visible and invisible needs.

“The man who spoke to my son needs to learn to be more respectful because his behaviour was just not right.”