An individual under the influence of alcohol is reported to have hijacked a parked bus following a dispute with the driver, it was reported.

According to Lankadeepa newspaper, the Dambulla Police Headquarters said the bus plying from Colombo to Muttur/ Trincomalee had been hijacked last night (May 29).

The Police said the bus had been parked near a hotel for refreshments, with the driver, conductor and some passengers getting off.

At the hotel, an intoxicated man is said to have engaged in a brawl with the conductor and driver, after which he had entered the bus and drove off causing panic among the remaining passengers inside the bus.

The Police said the driver and conductor had followed the bus in a three-wheeler after which the suspect had abandoned the bus near the Ibbankatuwa Cemetery and fled the area.

It is reported that the suspect had driven the bus for more than 4 kilometres before abandoning the bus.